
Book jXLS^ 

Gopight]^" 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



Life Within Life 



OR 



SOUL DEVELOPMENT, 



BY 

MRS. IDA SOUERS DILLOW. 



CLEVELAND, O. 
1900. 



Ua»ARY of CONGRF.SS 
Two Conies Received 

AUG 24 1906 

^ CoDynkff^' Entry 
^LASS <^ XXc. No, 
COPY Q. 



-275 



OOPTEIGHT, 1906. 



PREFACE. 

AND the Lord gave unto me an understanding; full as 
my heart was, He opened my lips. But instead of 
my voice being heard, my spirit leads me to write 
that which Christ in His loving mercy and wondrous 
power, gave to me. Not I, but Christ, who admonishes 
and teaches, revealing the spiritual life, as the only life; 
filled with blessings of wonder, and love. I write as I 
am filled, and hope that many, if not all, who read the 
following inspired lines, will pray as they perhaps 
have never prayed before, desiring God's holy gifts; to 
be able to recognize them and take hold of them in firm 
and true fellowship with Christ and the redeemed. 

Not wandering here and there, 

But always knowing where. 

Christ will lead, if you beseech; 

And blessings abundant in devotion feel. 

Yours! Yes, yours, to share as revealed. 

To draw others unto Him who, all redeems. 

I. S. D. 
Cleveland, Ohio, 1902. 



ill 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Page. 
Introduction ix 

Stranger yet. (Poem.) xi 

Who am I? (Poem.) xi 

Chapter I. 

Experiences i 

Chapter II. 

Experiences. (Continued.) 5 

Chapter III. 

Experiences. (Continued.) lO 

Chapter IV. 

Love that lives 14 

Chapter V. 

Awakened 18 

Chapter VI. 

Life within life 21 

Chapter VII. 

Conscience 26 

Chapter VIII. 

Two Minds 31 

Chapter IX. 

Growth in prayer 2>^'. 

V 



CONTENTS. 

Page. 
Chapter X. 

Joys of the spirit 40 

Chapter XL 

Problems in life 44 

Chapter XIL 

Spiritual life in development 48 

Chapter XIII. 

Spiritual gates ajar 53 

Chapter XIV. 

Spiritual mind 56 

Chapter XV. 

Spiritual and carnal minds 60 

Chapter XVI. 

Spirit language 65 

Chapter XVII. 

Fruits of the spirit 71 

Chapter XVIII. 

Struggles of the soul 75 

Chapter XIX. 

Conflicts and conqueror 84 

Chapter XX. 

Spiritual Gifts 125 

Appendix. 

Spiritual light or spiritual arithmetic 131 

Harvest time 171 

vi 



CONTENTS. 

POEMS. 

Page 
God is love 3 

Father and mother 17 

Love and faith 19 

Faith 43 

Problems in life (first day) ^. 44 

Problems in life (second day) 45 

Always present 51 

Submission 71 

Clouds in sunshine or sunshine in clouds ^2. 

Supplication 73 

Our needs supplied 74 

Christ as Captain and Comforter "j^ 

Confession a balm to the soul 78 

Remembrance 81 

The sympathetic Friend 83 

Personal experiences with the soul 84 

Sorrow ^ 91 

Christ comforts the sorrowing 92 

Death 93 

Blessings in believing 94 

Precious time ,. . . . 94 

Supplication 96 

Supplication 97 

In weakness 98 

Jesus the adored 99 

The heart of all 99 

vii 



CONTENTS. 

Page. 
Supplication and devotion lOO 

Come to Jesus 102 

Parting with loved ones 102 

Pleading for all 103 

Longings 104 

Beyond recall 105 

All good things come from God 106 

Life 107 

Like unto a stranger 108 

To live for Jesus 109 

God our refuge iii 

Without understanding no 

Longing for His presence 112 

The sweetest name 113 

Joy in His presence 114 

Come to the Savior's call 114 

Love , 115 

Seen and unseen 1 17 

Why unbelieving ? 117 

Savior divine 118 

In memory 119 

Gone, yet so near 120 

Unknown time 121 

Time not ours 123 

Blessed are they who seek 124 

Day by Day , 135 

When Christ calls roll 158 

viii 



INTRODUCTION. 



I HAVE great cause for rejoicing; God has spared me to 
accomplish that which He assigned to me. Yet Tm 
late, but how much better than if had put off forever. 
It is now more than four years since God so blessed me; 
opened the eyes of soul and body; inspired my heart with 
living truths of the Life everlasting. Caused me, an un- 
worthy being, to hear such wonderful words. My heart 
was full of admonitions, entreaties, advice, and loving 
light, which reveals the how to live, that we may please 
Him, and rejoice with His for the redemption from sin. 
I wrote as it came or my heart filled, and many times the 
words and sentences came forth more rapidly than I 
could move my pencil. Before this and after, I knew that 
Christ desired that I should give my attention to spiritual 
life, (as He desires all to do) and that I was to labor, 
because of the love of and for Him, in this way. How 
loving! Even though we had our choice of blessings, we 
could not choose so wisely, so beneficially, as He ever 
bestows unto us. In trust I had prayed that, if His will 
to spare my life here, (when I seemed to be on a death bed 
of typhoid fever,) I would love to remain and make my 
life useful in what ever way He deemed it best. I ex- 



pected Him to lead and teach me; and how strangely my 
prayer was answered ! It seemed necessary to remove 
my (world) father and mother, ere I could see and hear, 
to comprehend, what He wanted me to do. 

Dear friends, after this I could see that at various 
times and ways He approached me with work, or that I 
beheld that there was work done and yet to do at all 
times. But this meant more. It was all for the best; for 
where our hearts' idols are, there will we be also. And 
thus removing them unto Himself, He has drawn us to 
Him also. Oh, that He should be so slighted until such 
measure ! Yet our true heart was His. We wanted it to 
be so. W|hat was to us all a sad bereavement, became to 
me a wonderful blessing of love and revelation. It seemed 
strange to me and peculiar to my friends ; and, perhaps 
because of side-glances or drop of opinions unto con- 
clusions, as to the cause and effect of all this, I laid aside 
the beautiful work written which God gave to me, and 
while it lay waiting for my attention to have it pub- 
lished, I was never content. When subjective to higher 
powers my mind then is like unto life. 

Now, at this late date, I present to you the lines as 
my work from Christ, more than four years old. Yet are 
they always new and beautiful to me, so wonderfully 
conscious of God's willingness to bless, where faith and 
trust "rest in Him". 

God and Christ, the great, loving and sympathetic 
friend, the only true comforter, and only wise guide, 

X 



all and more than heart can comprehend, in one! Since 
these blessings bestowed unto me, I have learned to love 
to read the inspired thoughts given to others and just so, 
I love to speak to all I can, and learn of the beauties of 
and in others' inner life. 

I find thus, that many have thoughts and feelings, 
with inclinations as I have. Thank God that the world, 
even now, is passing away, giving way to spirtual life, the 
Life of Life and the Life in Life. 

Mrs. Ida Souers Dillow. 
Cleveland, O., 1906. 



xi 



STRANGERS YET. 

Go, little stranger, bring back to me 
Love's messages from which comes cheer. 
Return not, ere you have your work done, 
Night approaches with the rising sun. 

My time, once long, too short now is, 
[Because I find that which I see will disappear. 
Then make haste and bring to me 
Life within Life, which will live in eternity. 

WHO AM I? 

I am but a stranger here, 
A secluded home I have; 
For none knows aught of me, 
Except him with whom I live. 

I am as vapor without form. 
But I feel, see, and hear; 
It is because I am born 
Within life; yet life calls me queer. 

None can tell another, just how 
I live. Yet live, as all may see^ — 
If not confined beyond worldly bars, 
/ shine forth, now look and believe. 



CHAPTER I. 
EXPERIENCES. 



IN introducing this book, I'll relate some 
personal experiences which will impressively 
touch the subject. 

These incidents took place in 1899 and 1900, 
it was early fall of 1899. ^ was prostrated with 
typhoid fever. I long battled between nature and 
disease, but suddenly I found I must succumb. 

My dear mother (then living) and little niece 
were with me. I longed to have stayed my sick- 
ness on their account, but God willed it otherwise, 
my condition became serious rapidly without real- 
izing it myself. Yet there seemed to have been 
an inward being, (realizing more spiritually than 
physically). I found I could understand many 
things and yet could not explain, that others might 
comprehend fully. (God was working within 
me.) I had, previous to this, ever thought that I 
was not such a great sinner, in fact I considered 
myself fully as good as any one, (excepting my 
sweet mother, and dear father), but how soon I 
was to behold my condition spiritually, and while I 
was yet in great fever, (a temperature of 104 to 



2 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

1 06 for several days remaining thus, and many at 
standstill of 104) there came a day when physical 
suffering was as naught to me — for like the wink 
of an eye I beheld as if I were again living my 
past life up to the present, doing just the same 
unpleasant, most grievous and disobedient things 
to my God, which I had done perhaps at times 
thoughtlessly, and while beholding sins of com- 
mission, I also beheld the sins of omission, the 
latter gave me alike pain of remorse, onto the for- 
mer. Yes ! let me tell you they came before me 
faster than humian hand can turn the leaves of a 
book, and this was like unto flames. I was truly in 
pain spiritually, I found no peace or rest. I tossed 
and moaned, without my friends understanding. 
I suffered this remorse for a day or more, and all 
this time I called incessantly upon my God to re- 
lieve me of the torment, I then seemxcd to over- 
come the rebellious spirit, and felt penitent. 

Before proceeding I would add, that I believe 
memory will be as 'Vision" in future world, that 
whatsoever the condition of our souls, we will 
behold our life as it was in the natural world, 
(in spirit) and the torment of never ceasing sight 
of our committed and omitted sins will exceed 
onto fire and brimstone, (an unquenchable fever). 
But if repentance is earnest and complete (even 



EXPERIENCES. 3 

though we may behold them) knowing ourselves 
forgiven and redeemed souls, our gratitude and 
praise grows greater as we then behold God's 
loving mercy in forgiving so much, while we did 
so little for Him, in this latter case the sting of 
remorse is removed from us, because of repentance 
and forgiveness. Even while here, do we not often 
recall to mind something done or undone, which 
brings us unconsolable regrets, and for time being 
we become nigh frantic, until God in His mercy 
speaks peace ''forgiveness'' to our soul. 

Just as I said before, I received no peace, until 
calling upon God to relieve me; He in loving 
mercy forgave me, and wiped them out of my 
sight, leaving me a helpless fever-sick patient. 
But oh! I felt I could endure all bodily sufferings, 
now that God promised to forgive me and help 
me. 

When God forgives our trespasses, it is like 
wiping them out of sight. We still may remember 
some, yet the sting is removed, because we feel His 
forgiveness and we are at peace. 

GOD IS LOVE. 

God is love beyond description, 

God our troubles will remove, 
If to Him we come in submission. 

Faithfully, trusting, coming soon. 



LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

He His promise ne'er has broken, 
To heal our hearts wounded by sin, 

Only that we accept His token 
Of Christ our Lord, to come in. 

We in the infancy of salvation 

Can but pray for the light, 
He so abundantly offers all nations 

To illuminate their souls with delight. 

Now let us not hesitate in wonder. 
But press on, Christ to know, 

For our time may come while we ponder. 
And our harvest, must be as we sow : 

Oh! ye who have not time to labor. 
The redemption of souls to win. 

Think not, how you grieve your Savior. 
Yet He calls; calls you to Him. 

Come, oh ! ye who are belated. 

Come, you can not come too soon. 
You will rejoice, when you have tasted 

Of salvation, and find there's room. 

Yes, there is room for every one, 
Who their souls, at His feet may lay, 

He will receive, and say nay to none — 
Who this forgiveness will seek today. 

What an endless rejoicing it will be 
When we awake with eternity. 

In life everlasting, with God, and He, 
Who redeemed us from sin, by dying 
on the tree. 



CHAPTER 11. 
EXPERIENCES. 



I could hear as if someone telling me 
J[ of Christ's sufferings, and endurance, 
and while meditating of the wonder- 
ful things, ''this passage, seemed to be as 
repeated." And He went down into the water, 
and came up out of the water. I could not fully 
comprehend, why it was, ''this should be present in 
m.y mind almost constantly,'' until, I thought God 
desired that I should do something directly for 
Him (a trial of faith) and the more convinced 
of this conclusion, the more plainly I seemed to 
hear. I then prayed — I do not remember if first 
or last — but I prayed fervently, and full of faith, 
that if God spared my life, I would take upon my- 
self this baptism, (in likeness unto the passage). 
I now longed to live if I could be of use and service 
for God's cause, then not long after this (and after 
a less painful day) as night approached, I seemed 
to grow very sleepy, I thought sleep I must, and 
yet seemed to put forth every effort to keep awake, 
but with my mind clear and heart light, I wanted 
to sleep. I told the nurse of my feelings, that I 
could not keep awake. She apparently thought 



6 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

this strange, (in my fevered condition). I learned 
after, that she told my dear mother to keep watch, 
while she summoned the physician, but I slept, nor 
did I care to awake, sleep so sweet, yet I awoke to 
behold our physician, a counsel, nurse and my 
sweet mother. I felt glad — and yet longed that I 
might sleep thus again, but it never returned, 
although I tried hard, to fall asleep just that way; 
not in my power, it was God's will I should awake." 

My promises, He had heard, 
And brought me back to earth, 
Herein to dwell, until I do 
The labor which He will choose. 

As I now grew stronger and speedily recov- 
ered enough to enable me to again perform duties, 
I longed so much to keep my promise, I longed to 
be immersed in a flowing water, and looking to 
God for grace, I felt I was ready. But because of 
my sweet mother's remonstrance in this, I relin- 
quished. My mother (a Presbyterian) father too, 
did not think it necessary I should take this bap- 
tism, because of having been sprinkled. Well, 
they could not understand my feelings, while I did 
not think it necessary, (myself) to have the second 
baptism,; nor was it because my faith weakened 
unto that of sprinkling, but I did feel it necessary 
to keep my promise to God; but anxious to avoid 



EXPERIENCES. 7 

worrying my mother, I accepted her wish as mine, 
and gave it up, as I thought, for the time being. 
Yes — I put God off, but I beheve that He forgave 
me, because I did so, for the love I had for my 
mother. I never fully forgot it, I was ever kept 
in remembrance of my promise in various ways, 
but yet always thinking of my mother's wish; thus 
a year passed by, trying hard to overcome and 
outdo evils. I could relate of many instances, at 
which times I felt as if the actual presence of God 
and Christ, ''and too, of almost immediate 
answers to prayer." (So many are skeptical in this, 
but I have received proofs of such answers.) 

Again, you might argue with me that it would 
have came to pass without my prayers, well it is 
too pleasant for me, to cherish your opinion and I 
never forget, (I never wish to) that God promises 
to answer prayers. He does not say, it will be at 
once or today, tomorrow, or at any time, — it is, if 
we believe, we shall receive, then it is worth ask- 
ing, and believing. 

Two years have now passed, and four 
months beyond, which brings us to the twenty- 
fourth day of March — 1901 — when we were sud- 
denly stricken with grief. The sad news came to 
me, that my dear aged father had died very sud- 
denly, the anguish I can never describe. ''My 



5 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

father passed away? and I not see him on earth 
again?" I could not control my feelings. My hus- 
band and I hastened to the home, ^Vhere God's 
angel had so recently been and gone, who bore 
away in triumph, the soul of our dear father, to 
live again, not here, but with Christ." 

We found our sweet mother broken in spirit, 
oh! so frail, (having been in ill health for 
two years or more,) this was a hard blow; we 
feared that God would deal the blow yet another 
time in haste. The family physician warned us of 
dear mother's condition, advising that we bring 
forth all power tO' control our grief, ''because, that 
of mother's, was greater, we must; in some way, or 
lose our mother too. So hard, yes ! but it was for 
the sake of the most precious being on earth, and 
that gave us strength. It was upon the third 
night, after dear father leaving us, that we pre- 
ferred to be left alone with our dead, the mother, 
three daughters, two sons-in-law, and my sister's 
three children. It was late, when we finally found 
ourselves alone, then we (without great stress) 
persuaded our dear mother to retire to her chamber 
for rest, (this connected with sitting-room where 
we remained). My sister at home, lay down with 
her, "more to watch her," because as I said she 
had grown so weak in heart. The parlor — 



EXPERIENCES. 9 

wherein lay the body of our dear father and 
husband in sweet repose, also connected with 
the sitting room. Oh ! the heart-aches in that 
home, not long until we were rejoiced to hear the 
weak (but even) breathing of slumber, our sweet 
mother had fallen asleep. And we must keep very 
quiet now. I thought, '' in its silence" my heart 
would burst, I had forgotten in my rebellious grief, 
that God would so gladly dry our tears, and 
soothe the pain, but oh ! He spoke, and I heard, 
and prayed so fervently, and in full faith, that He 
would grant that we might be comforted. I longed 
to hear, or see something, I did not know what, 
I felt it might be direct from God. I know, my 
hopes were such; and as I sat resting my head on 
back of chair, looking above me in a steady gaze, 
''awaiting" I did not know for what, but forgetful 
of my surroundings, not hearing, or seeing any- 
thing, ''only waiting" ; ''and praises to God", I 
had not long to wait, I felt as if I was about to 
faint, or perhaps it may be death. I thought to 
speak, I dare not, because of fear of awakening 
my sweet m.other, I now seemed to realize my 
position. 

A mist before me arose 
And so near, oh ! so close, 
Clouds loomed before my eyes, 
Amongst which shone Heaven's light 



CHAPTER III. 
EXPERIENCES. 

ES — all things else had now faded from my 
sight and just as if I were alone, when, as if 
beautiful clouds, came to my view just 
above me, and in the midst of these, I beheld a 
glorious vision of our Christ, (I felt His presence 
and knew Him). He in His divine sympathy 
came as the Comforter — we had craved for, just 
above us, with right hand held over us as in bless- 
ing, (with peace be unto this home,) while with 
left hand. He carried my gaze to that of two 
white robed angels, soaring upward towards the 
right hand of Christ, disappearing in a large circle 
of luminous light, (friends, I wish that you alt 
might behold a vision like unto this). Not long, 
and this gradually fades from sight. And, ohf 
how wicked I now felt after beholding, and as if in 
presence of our divine Christ, I cry in fervor, oh ! 
God: tell us what we must do to be saved, when 
lo: — there I beheld a beautiful blue river, it was 
so realj the water so still and pure, when up out of 
the water came two men, enfolded in each others 

10 



EXPERIENCES. II 

arms, and were attired as in blue uniform, fw9o/- 
diers of Christ.) This also left my vision, (but 
not until it seemed to remind me, of my promise 
to God, ''over a year prior'' that I would take this 
baptism: ''then came, as around a bend a white 
boat, with one as steersman and one in bow of 
boat, this too faded from view, but it was not to 
be last, one came in shape (and seemed as if in 
full size) of very bright moon, within circle shone 
the baby- face of a dear little nephew (who had 
died more than ten years prior at age of a little 
more than ten months), just his face and one little 
hand, could be seen, latter was extended forward 
as if beckoning some one to come, when this last 
vision came, I regained my full senses, remember- 
ing all, and where I was, I called to my sister (the 
mother of this babe,) thinking sure she must see 
this vision now in view, but no : she said, and oh ! 
so sad, could but one other, have beheld as / did, 
that none^ would ever doubt my sincerity and the 
truth, yet why? should they doubt, or how could 
they: "do I not know that if I would falsely tell 
this of God, I would blaspheme Him, and lose all 
hopes of Heaven? And even would I fear His 
wrath would come upon me, in some terrible form 
to suffer while on earth. Oh ! No ! No ! I would 
not; believe me reader, every detail as I've told 



12 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

you is truth. This was comfort, sent to us, ^'the 
grief burdened souls', and so merciful most loving 
answer to my prayers in faith, (how can any one 
doubt the answer to prayers, ''if in faith'', and how 
often almost instant answers!) 

God spoke unto us by these visions, they told 
us so much, the former we seemed to readily un- 
derstand, while the ship and beckoning babe, we 
preferred to forget, for it reminded us — as if 
dreading still another, and ''greater'' sorrow, they 
were ever associated with the call for our sweet 
mother, but as I said, we preferred and tried to 
forget this, and as days — weeks — then months 
passed, and our dear mother becam'e stronger, and 
apparently gained in health, we became comforted, 
and believed that God did not mean to bereave us 
so soon — but time was so short — , for ere the 
eighth month was passed since dear father's death, 
came another messenger from God, to usher forth 
into all glory and sunshine the spirit of our sweet, 
loving, and most beloved mother, words indeed fail 
me to express the grief to us all, ''oh! we cannot 
give her up, our companion, our sweet counselor, 
adviser, and peace-maker, oh! why? (we ques- 
tioned,) does God visit us thus so soon again, and 
take the one we most need, yes : but God thinks 
and knows it is best to remove our Idol, 



EXPERIENCES. I3 

That our hearts may rove 

To lands more fair, and kings most true 

Where, soul to soul, may meet above. 

Our sweet mother passed away upon the Sab- 
bath day, the same as our dear father did, (let me 
tell you, father was found peacefully sitting in his 
large arm-chair, as if asleep, ''Yes, body dead, yet 
he lives, while asleep he awakes in Glory.") Dear 
mother, passed from us, while upon her bed, 
where she had been confined but three days, it 
so happened, we were all present, ''except one"' and 
witnessed the departure, we thought surely we 
could not survive this greatest blow of grief, we 
longed too, to die now, that we might be reunited 
with our loved ones. Selfishly forgetting, that God 
our Master had some work for us yet to do. 

This Text, was selected by our dear mother, 
for last scripture reading for and over each beloved 
form. 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8, I have fought a good 
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the 
faith, henceforth, there is laid up for me, a crown 
of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me 
only, but unto all them that love His appearing. 



CHAPTER IV. 
LOVE THAT LIVES. 



OUR zvork, was now to begin, by bear- 
ing the cross of sorrows, softening our 
hearts, drawing us Heaven-ward in 
thought — word — and deeds, God knows, and 
does all things best. He knows we had our 
idols, "our God,'' upon earth, so long as our 
dear beloved parents were with us. He gave us a 
trial test by first removing a dearly beloved father, 
and spared the precious mother, but it only seemed 
to kindle the fires of love, attention, and anxieties 
for our sweet mother. God longed for this devo- 
tion directed towards Heaven, to Him, and Christ, 
therefore, taking our best beloved ones, He draws 
us closer to Him. But at this time, we could not 
think of much more than our loneliness from our 
grief. How we longed to even but retain the cold, 
lifeless, silent body of our dear one. Oh ! so sweetly 
she lay in her bed of flowers, buried within the flor- 
al tributes, from friends and loved ones, as was our 
dear father just eight months before. I can yet 
see my dear mother look with such despair and 
love, upon the many sweet and fragrant flowers 

J4 



LOVE THAT LIVES. 15 

placed within, about, and above father's narrow 
bed, and exclaim, ^'how beautiful and peaceful, oh ! 
Pa — I wish I was with you." ''Now we alone" her 
children, and loved ones, must look upon her face, 
she rests in a perfect bed of flowers, their fra- 
grance seemed so sacred. ''We have but one night 
more to have her body, how can we live, we say, 
but God sends peace to the weary soul." That 
night again, (as eight months before,) we pre- 
ferred to be left alone with our dead, and while 
sitting near the entrance to room (parlor) which 
held again so sacred trust, praying and longing 
for God to comfort us again, and lift the load from 
our hearts, that we may look up — "not into the 
grave" to see our loved ones. I tried hard to for- 
get the grave, and longed to think of them as above 
— and while in this state, came to me the sweetest 
tones, "As if from many silvery bells," and sounded 
as if "a horse I ever thought," but I now feel, 
^'a lamb was clothed in those bells, and as if skip- 
ping until it came to out-side door, then stopped 
when I first heard — "as if far away then (coming 
closer and closer, I called, and grasped hold upon 
my sister, to hearken if she could not too, hear 
those bells, but no! she said again, — why? did not 
some one hear them, / truly accepted them as com- 
fort, I this day ("and believe ever shall") can by 



l6 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

faith, and memory, behold plainly the visions nigh 
two years ago, and distinctly hear the bells of over 
a year ago. 

"Could I but paint and control colors — I could 
paint the visions as I then beheld — perhaps God 
will bless me with this gift, as He has blessed me 
so much. Not because of my great piety, at all 
times, but because, I have been, and feel now a 
great sinner. Christ said, He did not come to call 
the righteous, but came that He might save the 
sinners, 

John said, 

A man can receive nothings except it be given 
him from Heaven, (Gospel of John, third chapter, 
2'jth verse.) 

I Cor. 14 : JO, If anything be revealed to an- 
other that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 

H Cor. 4: 17, For our light affliction, which 
is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more ex- 
ceeding and eternal weight of glory. 

We should then consider the afflictions of the 
world, as light, and for but a moment. They, 
"with life upon earth'' soon pass away. 

For ourselves know perfectly, that the day 
of the Lord so cometh as a thief of the night. 
I Thess. 5 : 2, also I Thess. 5 : 15 to 22. 



LOVE THAT LIVES. 1 7 

FATHER AND MOTHER. 

They are gone, but not forgotten, 

We can hear their voices, still. 
See them standing, or walking. 

See them; yes, look where we will. 

They were called away by God. 

Who does all things for the best; 
It reminds us, to give a thought, 

That we might now be the next. 

They now have received their reward 

For which they labored here. 
A life-long devotion to the Lord 

Led them Heaven-ward, without fear. 

Their home is now the home of the blest; 

Never would they wish to return; 
Nor do we wish ithem to, though we fret, 

Stricken with grief is to learn. 

We are so unhappy, and yet happy, 

Since our dearest ones have gone. 
Gone, yes, both upon the Sabbath, 

God's day; and their work was done. 

We seem to see them in Yonder City, 

Free from care and sorrows now. 
Dead the bodies, souls are living; 

Ever-more will wear the crown. 



CHAPTER V. 
AWAKENED. 



1WISH to advise my friends, who read this 
book, should they find a credit mark, or 
speech for praise, to remember and not be- 
stow it upon the writer, I do not deserve such. 
I can but tell over and over : it is not I, but God, 
working within, has inspired with faith and trust, 
(a gift given to all who believe) and while I could 
not tell that you might understand, unless you have 
had similar experiences. But in my humble and 
simple way, I can tell you. I have not studied, 
only thought on the deep things, such that live 
forever. I have not copied, God my witness as 
my judge. I have listened to a prompter, for it 
seems in all my writings I hear all words spoken 
as I write. I have written many poems, all of 
which I think very beautiful ; they are so good and 
true. While reading, I wish to remember, that 
it is God's gift, and that I may use it only as He 
would be pleased. I pray for His guidance, as 
I love to feel and behold His presence. 



18 



AWAKENED. I9 

LOVE AND FAITH. 

How I long to paint as I see, 

That others might also behold. 
And they my words then believe, 

When I say, I see my Lord. 

I try, but fail. For who can paint 

A true image of the Divine? 
None but He who all things made, 

For the likeness (unto us) is so bright. 

If it were God's will but once 
That mortal could that radiance pen. 

For brush can ne'er touch the lines 
From which Glory surroundings shines 

If I were sure it was not idling time, 

My joys fulfilled: to dream and think 
Of Jesus, His love, and all, bestowed so kind, 

I'd gladly in faith with Him live. 
But rather, will I do as He wills. 

To labor, and fulfill my mission for life, 
The life, which lives in eternal bliss. 

Not only have these inspired lines come to 
me in v^akeful moments, but I have been awak- 
ened, hearing lines, many times did I arise from 
my bed, to write that which I then heard, and at 
one time, I particularly remember, (it seemed 
strange to me, indeed; for, yet early in this bles- 



20 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

sing . When I arose, and while writing, I still 
continued to hear the lines and so on, until I had 
written twenty-seven verses, four lines per verse, 
all upon. Change not the old for the New. 

The day previous, I thought deeply upon the 
evils of divorce, and the courts who grant them, 
and of those who seek them. 

While I always thought the divorce an evil 
which we should shun, and love to see it wiped out 
Oif earthly laws. Upon this, my deep, and sub- 
misive meditations, loving to accept Chrisfs ad- 
vice, on all things, that I became puzzled in, I 
became thoroughly convinced, that my early con- 
victions, (as my parents taught), were in harmony 
with the laws of Heaven, this poem was the fruit 
of my meditation and conviction. 

I returned to by bed, on this occasion, at five 
A. M. standard, refreshed, and satisfied; I slept a, 
peaceful and invigorating sleep. This was faith 
and trust, born from the love of Light. (Christ.) 

I'll now proceed with subject, for which I 
related these personal experiences, that I might 
the more completely attract your attention and 
gain your faith unto facts : And easily can it be 
concluded, even from what of my personal ex- 
periences I thus disclosed, that there is life within 
life. 




CHAPTER VI. 
LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

HiLE you SO attentively listened to me, 
could you not recall some similar ex- 
perience you may have had? While it 
may not have been in visions, but in other forms, 
equally as appealing to you; to convince you that 
life lives within life, a beginning and an end. 
Again, an end, and the beginning. 

It is not hard, to detect inner life, I feel confi- 
dent that none, can say they have never heard, 
perhaps voices ''sweet and low," then again the 
opposite to its fullest degree. 

We may not wish our whole being controlled 
by the selfish, envious, and rebellious thoughts, 
which many times spring up into, or about us. 
And even they are oft-times not our thoughts, but 
evil that assails; and these we will endeavor to 
hide, or overcome, be they ours or not. When they 
belong to our very being, (inner self) they can 
not be concealed because of the imprints to our 
conduct. 

We thus know, life within lives for good or 
evil. If for good, the "life'' is the true life, the 

21 



2.2 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

life, that lives forever. We have the spiritual, and 
the worldly life, that which lives the strongest, 
will leave its imprint on the other. Do you not 
often hear, as if spoken to and no one is near, 
as to your sight? And again, you may have 
new and strange thoughts come to you, you seem 
to even repeat them. What is this? You may 
say memory. How can it be? if they were new 
thoughts. And even if it were memory, become 
a scholar to the inner self, submissive, and note 
yourself while in the subjective mood, hearing 
such wonderful words and lines, full of beauty and 
truth, which had never been yours until now. And 
now, because of your spiritual being; submitting 
to hearken and accept the teachings, of One, who 
inspires the true, and beautiful, within our hearts, 
which we hear aloud oft times, just as we grow in 
subjection. 

But to grow in the spiritual intellect, we must 
forget the world, (like flesh), and pleasures de- 
rived from and through these, if not, the results 
will be confusion with no satisfaction or definite 
recognition. 

What will you call the influence, when you 
sometimes are at an impulse, led to do or say 
something, or go some place, or again not to do, 
say, or go. And it has either been the thing or 



LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 23 

not the proper thing at all. Can you not see the 
life in life? You are either being led by good or 
evil : 

I John 4: I, Beloved, believe not every spirit, 
but try the spirits, whether they are of God; be- 
cause many false prophets have gone out into the 
world. 

It is always either wrong or right. Perhaps 
you will then say, ''this is conscience." If con- 
science it is, then you can not say conscience is 
active, without a guide; your conscience, in a crip- 
pled state, may tell you, it is not wrong, for you to 
indulge in vanities, and even to marring and 
changing natural beauty, or desecrate the form of 
body God gave 3^ou, and may tell you it is no 
evil, to attend all worldly (with evil taints) 
amusements : because you say you dare accept 
these as God's gifts — for you to enjoy while on 
earth, if so, where would be the eternal life, Christ 
life? The beginning is not made with worldly 
pursuits, and pleasures. There are legitimate 
(spiritually inclined) pleasures — the earth holds, 
and gives us at God's own command or permis- 
sion, — which we may enjoy in Christ's presence, 
our joy being His, because they are pleasures not 
of the world; (which would cause us to forget the 
Life) which Christ loves to see bud, and blossom. 



24 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

even mature, while on earth, but of the good spirit, 
ever in remembrance of the Creator, and our 
Savior. Loving to do His will, ready for Him to 
use us. He comes to sup with us. 

This then is the spiritual conscience, 
firm and true to memory, being understood 
as an intermediate active factor, between 
two lives, the spiritual, and carnal. Memory 
as the child of conscience, in weakness or in 
strength, reminds life of its love, or hates, is the 
living mirror, to our life, and conscience, the judge 
of right and wrong, seen therein, then, we can now 
see together as one. Life within Life, be it for 
God, or the world. Soul of immortaUty, Spirit 
in body. The body may die, yet the soul live ; and, 
while the soul may be in a state of death, when the 
body is living, because of the love of evil (to 
spirit) in the flesh, the spirit can die, when body 
lives. 

The first Adam was born a living soul, the 
last, a quickening spirit. Christ, while living in 
body, lived fully spiritual — unto God. Our ex- 
terior life, (body) shields, and bears the spirit, 
through the buffeting world. Then the spirit, in 
its refined, and purified state, bears the body, with 
its burdens, through an assailing life, because 
Christ, our strength and comfort, lives in this life, 



LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 2$ 

as life. The beginning is here on earth, for that 
continuous life, which lives eternally with Christ. 

Let us not permit our spirits (love) to be- 
come adherents to flesh, for flesh lives as earth; 
the earth passes away, the body yields to corrup- 
tion, the spirit is the living breath. (Love.) God's 
breath, (His Spirit). Let us give, from whom we 
received, and even now, praise His name, by our 
spiritual life, while on earth. 

There may be a struggle between the spirit 
and flesh. We must submit to the spirit, in pa- 
tience, cleansing the habitation of God, guarding 
it against impurities pertaining to the world, and 
even through memory let conscience condemn that 
the lusts of the flesh may be all mortified. Life, 
lives as spiritual beings, walking ever in the atmos- 
phere of Christ's life. That, which will absolve part- 
nership with flesh, on the day when the call is 
sounded for us, to enter into the life, which will be 
the glorious eternal life. 

A life, that began, while encumbered; then 
free in Christ's loving and powerful influence, to 
grow for eternity in intelligence, unto likeness of 
spiritual form. 

If to the flesh ye sow, then from the flesh ye 
reap corruption. To sow to the spirit brings 
eternal Hfe. ''What shall the harvest be?" 




CHAPTER VII. 
CONSCIENCE. 

iNCE we see life within life, we can also 
recognize conscience as the important part 
of true life, if not in state of decay. If in 
thriving condition, it acts as a counselor and ad- 
viser. And then memory, as an open book, before 
conscience, will show us, on what side of life we 
are reclining. It may be to flesh or spirit. And 
again, at variance. If the latter, we have neither 
a carnal, (fleshly) nor spiritual life. And a vari- 
able person is like one without an opinion, one, 
who has no self-inclinations; if flesh lives as our 
ruling element, then life truly is a blank to us. 
For life itself cannot develop, without spirit work. 
Nor can we understand the pleasures of those who 
live spiritual. The spiritual life is the crowning 
one to existence upon earth, and an eternal growth 
in Heaven. 

Joys await us not on the other side of the 
earth life then. But we know part of them here 
and continue to learn of Christ, and behold His 
blessing upon us, if we choose truly the Hfe which 
He knew, He could more completely give us if He 

26 



CONSCIENCE. 2^ 

left earth; thus living in power of love and light 
within us. And, while we do not permit our 
earthly cares to absorb our time and mind, we can 
better know the wonderful and even unexpected 
blessing so full of love and sympathy. He comes 
so close observingly then, that we feel His direct 
presence, hear His voice, and see His vision (faith 
countenance). And not alone is He, but brings 
unto us those beloved ones, who have left earth, 
that we may hear them speak; and when we do, 
it is wonderful to our sense. We at first, feel like 
falling to the ground, and, at all times feel so far 
beneath all that is really good. Then they are 
truly our ministering spirits. In Hebrews, first 
chapter, fourteenth verse, we find a lesson. 

''Are they not all ministering spirits, sent 
forth to minister unto them : who shall be heirs of 
salvation ?" 

Unto all who choose to be saved, to ac- 
cept the light manifested, for that, which mani- 
fests, is light. When we are willing to accept the 
light, and all it teaches. The surprise and dull- 
ness of comprehension vanishes as we grow into 
this faith, and forever will we in adoring wonder 
look upon the loving privileges, Christ went to 
prepare, and thus again return to us with all that 
is love. Our loved ones have but dropped the 



28 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

earthly form, to be clothed only spiritually. They 
are living free, in loving and ever increasing in- 
telligent embrace, of Christ's presence, in joyous 
service for their Captain, their King. The Soul 
freed from its adamant form, finds the power of 
love, which lives demonstrative. 

Christ, the Leader, Teacher, and Adviser, 
gives to each a part, to which their conditions are 
ready for, and all are ever under His directions, 
whether in study or service. We, as His children 
on earth, are also under His directions. We love 
to learn of, and from Him; we love for Him to 
direct and lead as He teaches. And, while we thus 
advance, even so little and slowly, while yet here, 
we are choosing the life of salvation. Christ, the 
captain thereof, lives to live with you, and me, by 
the Holy Spirit. He deigns to shield us from the 
prince of the world; and when we cleanse and 
purify the habitation, Christ will ever abide with- 
in; and while He abides, we need not fear, He 
will bring us cheer, and let us hear, thus through 
Him into mysteries peer. 

Please read, first Corinthians, twelfth, thir- 
teenth, and fourteenth chapters, that you may 
study the promises of spiritual life. While read- 
ing, seek to learn all therein. You will be able to 
find lessons even between the lines. If we wish 



CONSCIENCE. 29 

to obtain the blessings of spiritual life, we must 
endeavor to live in spirit, not after worldly pleas- 
ures and pursuits; then can we know the gifts, 
accept them, and use them as Christ directs. Not 
wrap them up into a napkin, or hide them, that 
they may not shine and give light unto those, who 
are perhaps, weaker and not understanding. 
Afraid of the light, which they possibly may have 
discerned, and because of not understanding in 
spirit, have thus caused gifts, (light) to fade and 
waste. If we wish to garner good fruits, we must 
sow in good ground, and in the light. And as we 
sow, so shall we reap. The soil may not at first 
prove to be rich — spiritually. But when it is 
sown in riches, it will gain root, and spring up a 
living plant, producing a healthy fruit. But to do 
this, we must first let Christ plant the everlasting 
seed within us, and from this we gather to plant 
again. 

I Cor. 2 : 9, 10. Eye hath not seen, nor ear 
heard, neither having entered into the heart of 
man, the things which God hath prepared for 
them that love Him. 

But God hath revealed them unto us, by His 
Spirit, for the spirit searcheth all things, yea! the 
deep things of God. 

Not until we truly live in development of 



30 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

spirit, will we know the many blessings, sweet 
privileges God grants us, when we truly love Him. 
And if we become subjects of Christ the King, we 
are then of the same household, as those who have 
stepped across the border line of earth, they in 
power, we in weakness, yet heirs to be clothed the 
same. They through Christ their power lead us 
tenderly and lovingly into the path, where we find 
eternal life. 

Paul Rom. 1:17, For therein is the righteous- 
ness of God revealed from faith unto faith. As it 
is written, "the just shall live by faith." 



CHAPTER VIIL 
TWO MINDS. 



SINCE we have two lives, we have two minds, 
the carnal and spiritual. To be carnally 
minded, is walking after the flesh, and en- 
mity towards God, for the fruits of flesh are hate, 
envy, anger, wrath, strife, jealousy, pride, deceit- 
fulness, fornication, adultery and many more, and 
others which must spring even from these sources. 
Let us not forget one of the greatest evils to the 
flesh, in form of money: the love of money. Its 
carnal use darkens and embitters many minds, 
chills and breaks as many hearts; fills homes be- 
times with sorrow and shame; shuts out of sight 
the victim of its allurements, may be in jails, insane 
asylums, under suicide's waves and in poverty's 
grave; or under the cold stare of the society from 
which it came. 

The prosperity in money, in many instances, 
fills hearts with selfishness, a desire for more and 
more. A waste comes with plenty, and while 
many less favored by this world's ruler behold 
their prosperous neighbors roll in fashion, luxury, 
Idleness, and pleasure. From this sight alone, 

31 



32 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Spring forth many evils, unto a continuous chain : 
and those with vain hearts iwill envy th'ese of 
fortune, and thirst to live like them. The spirit 
weak, the flesh rules, and the evil, pictures a 
life lined in gold, because of what money will buy. 
Many sell their virtue, steal, forge, and many 
crimes even worse; thus traveling the downward 
path to perdition, all because of love for money 
and the miany evils, bright and glistening, it will 
purchase. 

I hear some one say, this might be avoided, if 
those who are most favored with world's goods, 
would desire to walk as Christ did. They then 
would study His divine character, and find the 
greatest lessons to spirit life were not given in His 
words, but in His actual life, in each day, hour and 
minute, all times. 

Gk)d did not send prosperity to a few that they 
should use it for pride, self, and evil indulgences, 
in various ways, but that they might find the way 
to true happiness even when burdened with the 
load of money; which, if not rightly used, might 
as well be a millstone tied to the neck and cast into 
the sea. For true happiness will be found only, 
as God would direct its use, even though prosper- 
ous in millions, or less, there is no rest, nor joy, 
only for a season; then soon realize, something 



TWO MINDS. 33 

must be done; and in the attempt to make others 
happy, find not much profit, because perhaps, as 
often the case, the open purse is extended to the 
height of erecting churches, colleges, monuments 
of memory, homes, and in many such forms, all of 
which are very good in their place as they are es- 
sential for more than one reason, if needed. But 
at same time these are open and public ways of 
good. The most joy is derived from the meek 
and quiet way. Amongst those who are in dire 
circumstances and in immediate want, and who 
will be grateful, and rejoice at a few hundred 
cents, while before, more than a few hundred dol- 
lars, was bestowed, and without the beneficial 
result, to the inner self, the heart, the soul. Few, 
who may find this way, we must not fear the fall 
of dignity, neither for what others may say, for 
these are the avenues of God's plan, that he with 
means (money) may use it as Christ would, heart 
and hand, in the work. Such work may be the 
path for the salvation to some. 

For God hath chosen the foolish things of the 
world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen 
the weak things to confound the things which are 
mighty. And base things of the world, and things 
which are despised hath God chosen, yea; and 



34 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

things which are not, to bring to naught things that 
are. These verses are found in i Cor. i : 2'j^ 28. 

To Hve in the spirit, the fruits bring forth 
love, kindness, peace, joy, content with the cross, 
patience, self-denials, self-forgetfulness, always 
ready to speak a kind word; giving a loving 
glance, a helping hand; doing for those, whom 
service will relieve of some tiresome burden; car- 
rying sunshine where we may go. This certainly 
would be loving God and Christ above all else, 
our neighbors as ourself. We then forgive all 
offences, great and trivial alike, as we love our 
Heavenly Father to forgive us, thinking no evil; 
believing no evil; humble and meek, not seek after 
the world's honors and glory. Greater honor can 
no man have, than to live in the loving service of 
Christ, doing as best he can, as Christ would do. 
The spirit will then rejoice for the sweet privileges 
of knowing and seeing the Lord; ready and 
competent to learn more and more, of extent of 
God's love and blessings, thereby seek to make all 
feel as our equal and love the poor spiritually 
and materially, the aged and the children, strive 
for opportunities of getting closer to those who feel 
they are shunned and perhaps sneered at by some. 

The spiritual will love those better than they 
who roll in fashions, and in money. Neither will 



TWO MINDS. 35 

they care what the others may say. The idea is 
not conveyed, that there are no true Christians, 
whom fortune has smiled upon, for we have those 
as well as others. Many have taken their all, be- 
fore the Lord, and have placed their heart, hand, 
money, and influence at God's command, for His 
directions, and are living happily in His atmos- 
phere. But we do believe, that there are more 
that are spiritually rich, who are materially poor. 
They have not the cares of the material world, as 
our moneyed friends; and if their love belongs to 
Christ, they more completely draw unto Him; and 
find joy, where others would or could not, pleas- 
ing the Savior, by a loving and humble conduct to 
all His children; thus finding the joys of Heaven, 
beginning upon earth, to continue "into the happy 
everlasting life", "with Christ." 




CHAPTER IX. 
GROWTH IN PRAYER. 

That we may in His foot-steps tread, 
. We must be willing to be 
By the Holy Spirit led. 

And ever do, what we believe 
Would please Christ. 

For He ever sees. 

E can do this in all things and at all times, 
if we persevere and grow in strength of 
love and faith, towards God, and Christ. 
Perhaps one may say, I would Hve thus, but know 
not how to begin; if the desire is sincere, place 
your case before the Master's notice; ask Him in 
humility and trust; remember His promises; for 
He never forgets; but will show you how and 
where to begin; strengthening you, for your battle. 
You may not at once be conscious of a change. 
Grow not discouraged, but ask for the same light 
and knowledge, to increase day after day, that you 
may feel His presence. His guidance and under- 
stand His teachings (manifestations). Do this 
unceasingly, and without you knowing how, or 
when, the light will burst asunder the darkened 



GROWTH IN PRAYER. 37 

clouds of the world and its life. It may not (at 
first) be, what you had anticipated, and it may be 
more; and a far more brilliant light, than one 
would dare to hope. Then, in either case, you 
must grow fervent and steady. Christ will sustain 
you. And you will soon not only behold results, 
but feel their sweet influences. Be cautious 
here, for fear of exaltation. Strive to be more 
humble and meek, giving Christ the honor, and 
praise His name, with actions as well as words. 

Open your heart, that He may completely take 
possession thereof. Many times we may feel we 
accomplish nothing, and feel lonely. This may be 
one of His divine plans, to test our faith. We 
must at such times, give up thoughts, which might 
close Him out, that we may be assured of His 
presence; for only when we feel so, are we happy, 
and contented. He loves for us to remember, 
that He never forsakes; that if we have Him not, 
it is v/e, who forsake Him. Then let us take Him 
with us into our business, to all or any labor. 
Keep Him in our homes and I'm sure, we will then 
be happier, and more prosperous, spiritually, and 
m.ore so, materially, ''in right sense of the idea". 
It is a profitable resolution, that we forget the 
flesh; live in spirit, as in Christ's presence, and He 
will direct and teach, that we will develop in 



38 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

righteousness. Thus we forsake the influences of 
the world, (forsaking worldly desires). Living in 
spirit gives not a happiness of worldly nature, we 
must understand spiritually, ere we can know the 
true joys. Ever and anon will we then discern 
that which must make the heart sad even while in 
joy. How can we help it? After receiving the 
light, we behold sin as we never did before, and 
this we can not avoid, so long as on earth. And 
such of our own we will behold, and feel effects of, 
which we had not understood as sin, before we 
had accepted the light. We can live happily be- 
cause we know Christ will help us to overcome all 
that is wrong, and evil, to our soul; if we are wil- 
ling. 

Perfection lives only as the true, sincere de- 
sires and motives of the heart are. We can not 
Hve in flesh, without sin assailing. But we can 
learn of Him, who teaches how we may endure 
and overcome, and thus stand well in the class; 
though weak, we will be strong; and upon exam- 
ination, we may all hope for a life of everlasting 
joy, because of the love and peace, that dwells in 
Christ's presence. To walk in the spirit, opens up 
the windows of the soul and lets the sunshine in. 
Then we find we are oft times wanting, for the 
endeavor for the spiritual growth in its knowledge, 



GROWTH IN PRAYER. 39 

wisdom, and truthful understanding, make our 
lessons become seemingly hard, as we then see 
ourselves as Christ sees us, but soon this is our 
joy; for it beautifies the cross, and in submissive 
trust we unconsciously advance, because our Mas- 
ter has solved for us the difficult problems; and as 
the spiritual intellect grows, so will we pass on, 
where we find we are rehearsing that which we 
have learned. 

This then is life; (as a continuous line, wind- 
ing and unwinding). By walking in righteous- 
ness, we hope for the diploma of eternal life. 



CHAPTER X. 
JOYS OF THE SPIRIT. 



r 



HE Spirit being our self, and the part of us, 
which can see Christ while here, and 
Heaven; and the only life, which brings 
true happiness. This subject appeals the greatest 
to my heart. Christ wants us to live in spirit; and 
thus know Him. When moving in spirit, we can 
behold beautiful and prospective avenues, which 
we travel, and enjoy. Spirit, the wonderful word 
and name. Christ was spiritual at all times. 
Even though born from flesh, He was born of 
spirit. All things He said or did. He did so as 
unto and from God, His Father. Was this not 
spiritual ? 

Then, if Christ was and is now the more, how 
can we be His children in truth unto God, if we do 
not become spiritual? We can not say. Neither 
do we know how much or little is required; it is 
governed for each by our Teacher on high. When 
we once give up to Jesus, He will guide us into 
the path which we must travel. Only then can we 
know God and Christ as our Leaders and Friends, 

40 



JOYS OF THE SPIRIT. 4I 

and understand the ansv/ers to our prayers, be they 
direct or indirect; we will know all is good, for 
He knows best. 

How can we say we believe in God and Christ, 
if not spiritual? What use is God's holy book to 
us, if we do not believe spiritually? Who is it 
that in truth enjoys church, Sababth-schools, re- 
ligious meetings and conversations? Certainly the 
spirtual. It is the spiritual, who recognize those 
who are and would be spiritual. You love to be 
called Chrstians, yet you do not like, nor bear the 
title "spiritual'', to be a Christian and wear the 
badge, in its true colors. You must endeavor to 
walk in Christ's foot-steps; study His life full of 
love, and live to imitate it. 

Christ-like, Christ-love is Christianity. Christ 
born of spirit, walked and lived in spirit. We 
must become followers of His. We can never be 
perfect, as He was perfect, body, soul, and spirit. 
But we can accept Him as our ideal, and idol and 
doing with our might, we can be spiritually His 
children. His brides worshiping Him which is the 
great love we can give, then even willing to die 
for Him. We may be religious, yet not Christians, 
because of misunderstanding our self and Christ. 
Each must learn for themselves, from the model 
before them. Christ is the loving Christ to all. 



42 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

If any do not know Him it is not Christ who shuts 
them out, but they, who keep Him^ out of their 
presence. How can we know? We let Him in if 
we endure all things patiently, lovingly, submis- 
sively, because of all our fellow people, to please 
Christ. Luke lo: 2y. Christ said. Thou shalt 
love the Lord, thy God, with all thy strength, and 
with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself. 
We must bear our cross in the same humble, 
meek, and loving way as Christ did. We must be 
willing to begin as the babe, stepping forward, and 
on solid determination; looking forward and up, 
and not attempt to climb up some other way. When 
we miss a step, we slip, but Christ is with us to 
support us and guide the next step. But we must 
ever remember it or if we slip, we may grow weak, 
and wish to go back, which would be into the beg- 
gardly elements. John lo: i, 2, Verily, verily, I 
say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into 
the sheep-fold, but climbeth up some other way, 
the same is a thief, and a robber. Ninth verse of 
same chapter, I am the door, by me, if any man 
enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out 
and find pasture. 



JOYS OF THE SPIRIT. 43 

FAITH. 

Near the hills of pasture green, 
Flows the water in a living stream 
Not far beyond, the gates ajar 
Reveal to us near, not so far ! 
And upon the way shines the guiding Star. 

Christ is ever here to lead us on; 
He'll help us cross the waters cold "river of tribulations/* 
And guide us into the path so straight 
Which will bring us into His fold; 
There to dwell with Christ and God, 
Never weary of the journey we take. 

Does He not ever point out the way 
By which we may enter through the gate? 
Yes! even comes. While above us stands; 
He will go with us through this land, 
Supporting us, as the water we cross, 
And lands us thus upon the other shore. 

The way now is short and smooth; 
The gate's ajar; we feel secure; 
All is bright; for the Son is there, 
Many await the triumphal time, 
To greet their friends, while they shine 
In glorious splendor; eternally theirs. 




CHAPTER XI. 
PROBLEMS IN LIFE. 

s I have mentioned before, if not ever cau- 
tious, we will so easily slide. I find it 
like one moment in bliss, the next 
because of weakness of flesh, I have stumbled. 
May be at a seeming small matter, which I, per- 
haps, would not have noticed as evil, in the years 
gone. In the following poems I have written the 
experience in my life, on two succeeding morn- 
ings. 

We must watch therefore, that our hearts 
grow not vain or the darkness will cause us to 
stumble. 

First day, February 5th, igo2. 

The morning's work was over 

And cheer crept into my heart; 
When lo ! the clouds then lowered 

Around the seeming bright-lit hearth. 

For, while with smile upon my lips, 

The thorn was thrust into my side, 
And the dew which I longed to sip, 

Was poisoned; and my cheer then died. 

44 



PROBLEMS IN LIFE. 45 

Lord ! when I think I would do good, 
Then evil springs forth, and I obey: 

Not I, yet I yield because of a look, 
Or words, which are to me said. 

1 crave Thy help, O Lord of hosts, 
Bring even Th}^ army for my shield. 

That evil, in the battle will be lost; 
And I, with Thy help, gain victory. 

I wish and long to become Thy ward. 

And never to displease Thee, no, never! 

I long that Thou givest me the sword; 
By which I myself, from evil sever. 

The hours pass by, and moments wane. 

A ceaseless longing within my heart, 
That I may never again with Him enlist. 

For in war with evil, we must evil resist. 

Night comes on, my heart more content, 

I am all alone, the day now spent; 
Oh God in heaven, give us Thy love; 

That Thy will may be by us done. 



Second day, February 6th, igo2. 

Another day has with glory appeared; 

Our lives God spared, but oh ! the fear 
That God in His mercy can wrathful be. 

When we so often the spirit grieve. 



46 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

With vows of humble submission I arose, 
To begin the day, and myself then clothe — 

With meekness and kindness. Yet chose 
The wrong; because it came so close. 

Not heeding the warning look or cry, 

I beheld and heard as from on high; 
Satan in his toils, now closed the web 

Around my sense of love, which from me sped. 

Not long, ere the web thinner grew; 

And I beheld myself as I was seen. 
Released, then remorse within me flew, 

For had I not again the Spirit grieved? 

How long, O Lord, must I struggle like this? 

Will I not here gain the victory in true bliss? 
From eviPs snares and power of sin; 

Will it ever be as hit and miss? 

One foot forward into salvation print. 

Back I slide, into the abyss of sin, 
Discouraged at times, fear Thou wilt 

Close the gate; while I strive to win. 

No, no, O Lord; Thou wilt not forsake 
One, who strives and longs ; Thou wilt take 

The lion from my path and me stronger make. 
That I break his strength; from my path ere too late. 

Experience certainly teaches that there is 
not perfect Hfe Hving in body; flesh is a soil for 



PROBLEMS IN LIFE. 47 

sin. And abiding in weakness, even while strong, 
we behold the inability of living as we love and 
long to, because of the environments. Life, life, 
its true self, would be gained easily and too much 
so to cause great joy; or to expand our knowledge 
of Christ's great blessings because of the loving 
Father, if we could by desire step upon the correct 
and perfect step, thus needless for the further 
watching that we overcome. Without trials and 
much tribulations the joys of Heaven would not 
be half so sweet. Perhaps no Heaven at all. I 
rejoice that I am worthy in my unworthiness that 
Christ lets me suffer also; for He suffered, more 
than we may ever understand, unless He deigns 
to tell us in the lessons of eternity. 

Our loved ones suffered in spirit and body. 
Why should we not? For now it becomes a pleas- 
ure because Christ always teaches a beautiful ever- 
lasting lesson through suffering, if we but bear 
patiently, and trust all to Him. 




CHAPTER XII. 

SPIRITUAL LIFE IN DEVELOP- 
MENT. 

s it develops, it receives a form about it, 
which grows strong with will; and as we 
turn the mirror from life within life^ 
it reflects life to life, we first enter the infant class. 
While in body even so we may sup with our Lord. 
And He with us, for as children, we must strive 
to enter into His Kingdom, which lives on earth, 
as in Heaven. He promises to abide in us, we in 
Him. He also says, all who believe on Him, (have 
life) die in Him, will again arise with Him. That 
don't mean ages after, but we arise in spirit as He 
arose, as we live unto Him. We begin the journey 
of resurrection, we arise as we live, and when our 
work is done here, we are with Him completely. 
And while arising, living with Christ, we, at same 
time, live with our loved ones, who left their bod- 
ies here; or they live completely with us, as Christ 
does, so do they. Does He not say, I am the vine, 
ye are the branches. (We are branches in Heaven 
and earth.) Then, if we do not live more per- 

48 



SPIRITUAL LIFE IN DEVELOPMENT. 49 

fectly with the heavenly beings than those of the 
earth, earthy, we must be the branch which is cut 
oflf. No, dear friends, if we live and they live 
more, they in power come to minister to us, if we 
choose salvation for our joy, in other words, He 
says, we are all members together of ''one" body. 
This body is 'love", Christ in glory, and power. 
Love lives forever, love of our loved ones lives 
unto us now as Qirist's love lives; interest in and 
love for us (on earth) brings them to us, not as 
myth either, but living, guiding, instructive, com- 
municative, ministering spirits; sent forth to us. 

We cannot live with Christ, if we do not live 
with the heavenly friends, faith, hope, and charity 
(love). These three are the essential and befitting 
gifts, by and through which we find spiritual wis- 
dom, knowledge, and understanding. We see life, 
within life, life to life, life everlasting in Christ. 

Before reading further please turn to first 
Corinthians, twelfth chapter, and Romans, eighth 
twelfth and thirteenth chapters, John, fourteenth 
and fifteenth chapters. The New Testament 
(book) is full of revealed promises, which Christ 
made and yet gives; for He ever lives. So do all 
His promises and works. He further said, if our 
faith was strong enough, we could work even as 

4 



50 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

He did, and even more. (That don't mean greater, 
but many.) because I go to the Father. 

Why did He say this? Because He could 
more perfectly give unto the faithful the greater 
power, inspire our hearts more completely after 
He left earth. Let us pray with, and as the 
Apostles : ''Lord, increase our faith'' that your 
faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but 
in the power of God. i Cor. 2 : 3. All spirit 
wisdom is power from God, and it rests with us, 
whether or not we will use it as He wishes us to, 
that we may know, we must become subjects of 
Christ; pray for light; trust in His guidance; and 
thus spirit to spirit the Giver and recipient of wis- 
dom will spiritually commune, and all things done 
according to that which the Lord gave, i Cor. 
3 : 16. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God? 
And that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 
John 14: 14, Jesus says. If ye ask any thing in 
my name, I will do it. 

What is the idea of this offer? He certainly 
meant it for, and to us. Just as He did to His 
then disciples; but how do you ask? Learn of 
Him as to how to pray ; the Holy Spirit will guide 
and teach us, if we are willing to become a pupil. 
It is wisdom and the understanding of all that is 
truly spiritual, that we may in love and faith know 



SPIRITUAL LIFE IN DEVELOPMENT. 5 1 

our Heavenly Father, ''Christ the elder brother," 
yet our Lord, our King! Thus we become better 
acquainted with the will and ways of the Holy 
Spirit, "who is the manifestation of light to the 
soul; and as we search for light, the brighter it 
shines; for we become stronger in love and faith 
to Christ. And love like this, with its numerous 
tributaries, will rest link in link, with faith and 
hope; thus we are convinced, the true life Is a 
spiritual Hfe. 

ALWAYS PRESENT. 

Forgetting, that in body live, 

We with Christ then dwell, 
And see the blessings given, 

Which are more than tongue can tell. 

Hosts added to hosts we see, 

Christ died to make us free. 
Thus, at death to body, we soar 

To the realm where Christ reigns forevermore. 

As Christ lives, His power gives, 

That all who die in Him, 
Will live and ever as He lives. 

And to earth Christ's blessings bring. 

Not far away in a world unknown 
W^ill we live if belong to Christ's fold. 

But, in and out, or out and in. 
We find and feed upon pastures green. 



52 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

No farewell need be said, 
But promises, that we meet again, 

Nor wait until God calls our name, 
But at once we live with the saved, 
If our name Salvation has claimed. 

Christ the body, members we, 
Where liveth the body, members do, 

Unless offense, then cast away; 
This, as souls and mortals choose. 

Thus as members of one body, live 
With Christ resurrected, or as Christ redeems, 

Then our loved ones are with us here, 
If we to Christ's body cling. 

See the light Christ left for us. 

And you will understand the just 
Live by faith, with Christ and His own; 

And by faith we see and know 
Those of God's household; 

They are yet here and not gone. 

Love and faith will wonders reveal. 
If in and on Christ we ever believe. 




CHAPTER XIII. 

SPIRITUAL GATES AJAR. 

ND even though imprisoned in our body, yet 
do we live with Christ ; and those who have 
gained the victory over death, but 
more so, with our loved ones, who are now more 
interested in us. They are near and minister unto 
us. The eye of faith sees; and the ear thereof 
hears, and the spiritual sense comprehends. What 
wonders and glories we might behold, if we could 
fully forget the body and live with our heart and 
mind in the all of all above. 

How truly Lord, we long to hide 
Away from all worldly life, 
Thus to avoid temptations dart, 
Which assails on every part. 
But this brings no glory nor joy 
In Thee our Lord, if we would avoid 
The cross to bear, the world overcome, 
By living as pleaseth Thee best. 
Forsaking that which the eye lusteth 
And live content in our humble nest. 

In this state we feel lonely at times, until look- 
ing up we realize we are not alone, for we can then 

53 



54 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

feel the sweet influences about us, hear sweet, low, 
loving tones in loving sympathy or guidance. 
Hebrews i : 14, Are they not all ministering spirits, 
sent forth to minister for them, who shall be heirs 
to salvation? Great is the comfort, sweet compan- 
ionship, beautiful guidance, and instructions we 
may receive, if we live in true spirit. God as 
Father, Christ ''the elder brother" our redeemer! 
We will know each other here and there, or there 
and here. We can know them as we love them, 
and more ! As we love and trust Christ ; for Christ 
is one in three, or three in one. 

Why doubt ye; your loved one's near; 
Then doubt that Christ is here, 
Eternal life, ye do not see; 
Your carnal minds will not reveal, 
No life the Christ can see, 
Only that which in spirit lives, 
Christ in spirit lives to speak, 
And thus the redeemed, if but heed, 
No separation ! in spirit feel 
No earthly thing can lead, 
That Christ and loved ones meet, 
While in body, or disembodied be. 

At the final, Christ says. He will submit all 
to God, that God may be all in all. What a lovely 
house-hold, what a beautiful and loving family 
there. Why could we not live as such on earth? 



SPIRITUAL GATES AJAR. 55 

We must at heart; our love and longings must be 
such, or we can not enjoy the complete pleasure 
of that altogether united family. I believe we 
will have our respective places. Our love and 
faithfulness to Christ will decide that we will go 
only to that, which we have been prepared for; 
our life is eternal, and the study will then continue 
again, ''according to our submission." 

Then let us all understand correctly, that we 
begin and advance as rapidly as possible in the 
body with Christ as our instructor, and 

Then, when our race is run, 
And our work well done, 
Christ will call us home. 
Never to be left alone, 
But to live and grow 
In spiritual life forevermore. 




CHAPTER XIV. 
SPIRITUAL MIND. 

piRiTUAL mind believes that God is ever 
near (through the Holy Spirit). Even 
though there are times we are not con- 
scious of a divine presence, it is either, that we 
hide from Him, because of the crowdmg worldly 
thoughts or earthly cares or that He in loving 
mercy draws aside for a time, that we may the 
better know His presence and the more appreciat- 
ively love to abide therein. If we roam, after once 
tasted of the contentment in supping with Him, 
we will, like the prodigal, return with that penitent 
heart, and God, as love, forgives. We have ex- 
perienced much joy from the answers of our 
prayers, more than our lips may cause you to un- 
derstand. We believe firmly in divine guidance. 
We in the weakness of flesh may at times mis- 
take and follow the wrong way. But not long, ere 
the spirit discerns the deceiver and retraces rap- 
idly. God permits this very often, (for our good) 
to test our faith. While He permits that evil shall 



56 



SPIRITUAL MIND. 57 

assail us, we find there is always a blessing at the 
other end. 

If ne'er tempted, nor e'en fallen, 
How could we the joys ever know? 
For joy it is, when repentant 
We see Christ with us here below, 
And thus we see, that we grow. 

Sometimes we grow indolent, or even exalted, 
then we must be reminded, even if it take evil to 
do so. God is wise and just. He knows what will 
best strengthen us against our weakness. But one 
victory gained brings us more. The spiritual gifts 
are various and numerous. I might tell my ex- 
periences with the spirit, in gifts, and you might 
not understand, they would perhaps be unto you as 
the talking of mlany tongues in i Cor. 12. You 
will read lines, and yet lines between lines, where 
the promises of the various gifts are yet living. 
And what ever gift God deems best for each to 
have, that blessing He'll give, and if we live to 
deserve it, using the talent correctly. He will more 
abundantly bless us. It is to our joy, when we 
forget our self, for then, as Paul said, we are with 
our Lord. We will search for knowledge of things 
on high, and in this way we will learn to know our 
self, as we are known by Christ, only that our 
sight will be dim, not able to see as Christ divinely 



58 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

sees. But behold, the life within life, and where 
our joys are, there is where our law will be, the 
law of love and the love of Christ, the love of His 
fellowship, the love of the presence and adminis- 
trations of our loved ones, washed in the blood of 
the Lamb. 

Each reader may apply the words of experi- 
ences to himself and thus search within, until he 
can say, that he has found life in life. This will 
be a happy state, for you have then found your 
''self. Look up; God is near to give and increase 
your strength in faith unto Him crucified, but 
now living to forever dwell in and amongst us, 
know thyself; it is not the living flesh but life 
within. 

None can know the spirit, except he 
within whom it dwelleth. We imagine we know 
our fellow-beings, and often we may conclude cor- 
rectly just from that which we observe, as conduct, 
countenance, associates and haunts, even the dress 
mjay seem to tell tales. And yet we cannot judge. 
We dare not, for many times a rough exterior 
even hides a good heart, one with love and yearn- 
ings for some thing purer and holier than that, 
which the environments would indicate. If we be- 
hold weakness and we are strong, then let us per- 
mit the fruits of the Spirit reprove and allure him 



SPIRITUAL MIND. 59 

from destruction, he may not have seen the abyss, 
so it is better to form a bridge with love, kindness, 
and patient endurance, to bring such safely over 
the torrent, and with forgiveness we kindle the 
fires of remorse, and with humility we give them a 
seat by our fire-side. All this is the everlasting 
fruit and belongs to life in life. 

More wonderful, we can but say, 
Because wonders come to us day by day, 
Christ the great wonder for love repays. 
If we love and trust Him when we pray. 




CHAPTER XV. 

SPIRITUAL AND CARNAL MINDS, 
(AS LIFE.) 

*^ACH is a pupil of its self and is separately 
instructed, lives separately, the many 
'branches of each brings fruits from its 
kind; to be worldly wise is spiritually foolish, and 
thus spiritually wise, we will be worldly foolish. 
We dare not try to serve two masters, control two 
beings, and yet find contentment; we'll either cling 
to the spiritual, or the worldly. And if we are not 
willing to know our conditions and the necessary 
reformation, we avoid voluntarily the light which 
shines for every one. For coming to the light be- 
comes a living light, is light in spirit. This will 
tell us we must not do this or that, go here or 
there. Now this may be spoiling our inclinations 
to the pleasure of the world. Then oh, how shy 
we keep of this light ! We do not like to be re- 
proved, the light doth manifest all things, and all 
that doth manifest is light. Now perhaps we had 
rather stand aside and plead our ignorance of our 
hardness of heart, by trying to make ourselves 

60 



SPIRITUAL AND CARNAL MINDS. 6 1 

believe there is no such Hght, that we are simply 
here to enjoy this world and all it contains, as best 
we can, because God gave it. Yes, that is the 
deliberate ignorance in darkness, one who draws 
the curtains, when he sees the light come near. 
Oh, let us search for more and more light, that we 
may in future be inhabitants of that home of 
splenror, and continual light with Christ's radi- 
ance to behold ! 

While loving the world you will seek worldly 
pleasures, seek after and love position and wealth, 
with the latter usually indulge in all needless and 
spirit consuming social pursuits, and that which is 
pleasing to the eye and worldly mind, but not 
everlasting, looking forth for, and courting world's 
honors, and while these conditions exist, you also 
love one, and hate the other. Have you chosen the 
right side? do you know thy-self? Perhaps you 
say like this, ''I do charitable work, I go to church, 
pay my pew-rent, I help to build churches, schools 
and homes. Then I do sometimes attend theaters, 
clubs, banquets, and numerous other amusements. 
Yet I don't see why I must hate one and love the 
other". You thus try to divide your time, atten- 
tion and wealth with two sides of life. God says 
you can not serve two masters. Then you either 
live for life of the world and to gain all you may 



62 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

from it, or you strive for the light, whereby comes 
wisdom of spirit and truth, giving you hope for a 
life eternal, joys, peace, and rest. Such can 
wealth not buy. 

NEGATIVES AND INFIRMITIES OF BOTH LIVES. 

To be spiritual — then forget thy-self. We 
certainly will not then make wealth our god, and 
if God prospers us in any way, we must give as 
He giveth unto us. Read i John 2: 17. This 
means not only gold and silver, but the blessings 
of love and kindness, of musical voices for song 
or sermon, knowledge and wisdom, and if heeding 
His words, not accepting prosperity for our 
own pleasures and comforts, we will soon be 
rewarded according with what spirit we put forth. 
We could mention scores of tributaries, all flow- 
ing from the well of pride, and money as factors ; 
indulgence has equally as many sources from 
which flows ruin to the spiritual life. Indolence 
and lawlessness come as brothers, and when they 
meet the aforesaid friends they assist in marking 
many graves with shame or sacrifice unto loss of 
loved ones. Thoughtlessness and hastiness, two 
selfish evils, have wounded many tender hearts, 
broken home circles, torn asunder ruthlessly the 
once loving husband and wife, sent children forth 



SPIRITUAL AND CARNAL MINDS. 63 

to gambling hells, filled the slums, supported brew- 
eries by millions upon millions. Thus we could 
form an endless chain of misery, woe, sin and 
death to spirit and body, so long as earth remains. 
If we do not seek to follow Christ's foot-steps and 
forget ourselves, let us take this little self within 
while in its baby-hood; let us tenderly handle it, 
giving it love, be patient, even though it cry for 
food; it will thrive, if we give it our unselfish at- 
tention, it will live best amidst pleasant, pure, and 
humble surroundings, it will yield to charity, ripen 
into youth in sunshine, bring it to the light, place 
it under tutorship of Christ; and with love, pa- 
tience, meekness and faith, charitable always, it 
will soon be a mature scholar. Now you have had 
the infant, youth and the mature, this is 
thyself. Having once the light, we must 
ever keep within it, living a life like this, 
we will, must and do then strive to do as Christ 
would do, were He in our place. But few there 
will be, who attain this full majority here. But 
a good beginning surely brings a good continu- 
ance. If we begin and continue thus, we'll enjoy 
life within life, and at the final, life-eternal. 

My little children, let us not love in word, 
neither in tongue, but in deed and truth, i John 
3: 18. 



64 ' LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

When thoughts remain in spiritual mind, 
They at once acknowledge God is kind. 

Yes kind and merciful, yet more wonderful still 
Is His great power, full of gifts at His will. 

So supreme a being, a Father to all, 
Who thus continue seeking and heed His call, 

He to them all awards their dues. 

According to works, and ways they choose. 

Just and holy, is His name. 

Jesus and Father the same. 
Will hear, and answer as we pray; 

Be it fervent and ceaseless. He'll with us remain. 

Our spiritual grace must grow strong. 
As our hearts forever filled with song. 

Then will we feel and know the power 

Of God's divine gifts upon His children showered. 

April 15 th, 1902. 



D 



CHAPTER XVI. 
SPIRIT LANGUAGE. 

EAR readers, I told you once or more, that 
I never studied for this end. Truly, much 

"^of my time is spent in meditation of 

things beyond our mortal vision and grasp, but 
not too far away for our souls to reach, when ma- 
terial things are with us forgotten, and we with 
love, faith, and due trust, seek for the blessings 
of that which is everlasting. Then Christ in His 
infinite mercy, bids us welcome and shows us to a 
seat, which we may for a time occupy. And if 
we abuse not His kindness. He will grant us to 
step farther, leading and supporting us over be- 
setting precipices and rocks; and by faith we 
behold more and greater light shine forth. We 
came in such simpleness and humility, to seek 
after heavenly blessings, that when first aware of 
something greater and more wonderful than all 
world's power coming upon us, we could not at 
once comprehend, and even now God's merciful 
love is and will be forever beyond understanding. 
But experience being a wise teacher in spiritual 

5 65 



66 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

as well as material matters, we conclude, we can 
only gain what we strive for, by pennitting and 
pleading Christ to lead us into all paths of right- 
eousness, trusting that He will protect us against 
all evil. He so willingly does all this, but we find 
that we are not always so willing, as we would 
perhaps wish to make ourselves believe. Or else, 
if we fully relied upon and followed Christ's 
guidance, we would never turn back. ' And upon 
the forward look, behold a wall which we must 
scale, or forever remain lost in the darkness, which 
comes about us while turning back. 

There are many and various reasons causing 
you to look back. Perhaps the greatest is, when 
coming to the light, you certainly descern things 
belonging to the light. In weakness and newness 
of surroundings you turn. Why? Because of 
not finding in the light the same pleasure enjoyed 
in darkness of the world. ''Newness of spiritual 
life with worldly pleasures hanging on.'' 

Oh, the need of prayer at such moments, if 
turn for one thing, however small it be, you will 
find that more than one will burn. You may think 
it hard to do all things manifested by the Hght; 
so it is. Can we or will we do all things perfectly, 
while in body? No. But our love and yearnings 
may be true and perfect; and we may live in the 



SPIRIT LANGUAGE. 6^ 

light by overcoming the world and its pleasures. 
All such, in which we can not find Christ as Leader, 
we dare not indulge, only as we behold the prepar- 
ations of the Lord. Many will stumble, (and do) 
at the spiritual admonitions, and for the love of 
world's pleasures, turn about, only to find they 
must console themselves; and carnally they find 
excuses for their backsliding or deliberate Ignor- 
ance. 

They do not believe that God, who is so merci- 
ful permits these beautiful things and extensive 
pleasures for waste and for us not to enjoy them. 
There are legitimate pleasures on this earth, but 
we must understand as the light portrays. It may 
deny us of adornments and pleasures in many 
ways, but if we once come to the light, the true 
light will keep us right. 

There are many charming and fascinating 
things which we mlust overcome, and because of 
them being so, makes us the greater conquerors, 
tor if they were not so beautiful and alluring, 
there would be no need of Christ's grace to us to 
overcome. Then we would not see ourselves grow. 
And if we had even all within the world at our 
command, yet thereby lose our soul, what profit? 
Then great is the joy on earth, when we find we 



68 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

are pleasing our Lord; the only true happiness is 
in success, of His loving approval and at peace. 

And then we can say, our work done. 
Our race run; we will in glory shine, 
For in Him we find the peace and joy 
Of an eternal reward. 

As faith and hope in Christ brings us life. 
For all things denied were but loss 
For which our Soul was tossed. 

Not heeding the warning signal until we 
crossed the line of submission and if willing that 
Christ leads, then we find, oh, what blessings He 
will bring upon us. We may not at first under- 
stand, but if submissive and eager to learn, Christ 
will in His own way and own time explain all unto 
us. My experiences have been wonderful, be- 
cause of the longing desire for light that I might 
peer beyond. This developed rapidly after Christ 
called from earth my dear father and mother, as 
before, and as I ever can say, I believe we are 
very near with Christ, when loving Him above 
earthly things. Hence we live the nearer to our 
departed loved ones. I enjoy this belief and cer- 
tainly profit thereby, for before they left the 
body, I lived with such uncertain impressions and 
stumbling along, yet trying to keep a speck of 
light before me. But soon this must change, and 



SPIRIT LANGUAGE. 69 

now I long for more and more. And in my long- 
ings and implicit faith in Christ upon certain 
things, I one day (it was on the 17th day of Janu- 
ary 1902) felt I too, with God's help, could bring 
forth beautiful lines, (which would disclose the 
innerself), and as my heart was overflowing, I 
took my pen in hand. Not for one moment did I 
study, but only trusted, and felt as if it was my 
duty, and oh, wonderful ! yes, wonderful are the 
blessings of God. For it was Christ who dictated 
to me, for never before, even though had I tried to 
educate myself thus, could I then or now of myself 
write such beautiful words. But God had so filled 
my heart in His loving mercy, that I from His 
abundance might speak. We having a thought 
can not add one cubit to our stature, but God has 
added this unto me, and I can but say, it is not I 
but God through Christ has spoken these things to 
me. And, while thus relating a small portion of 
my experiences, and trying hard to know more 
and more of Christ and of the Home promised to 
all, who willingly learn of Him in humility and 
meekness. 

I feel there are others, and if they were not too 
timid, might tell still more wonderful things in 
blessings upon them. The ball has been rolling, 
and now we can almost see that the end of the line 



70 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

will also be very soon wound upon this ball. The 
line was thrown out spiritual, (from Christ) and 
spiritual it must return again unto its own. So 
here we find the world almost at the last moment 
grasping ''as if in one accord'' for the end of this 
line, that they may be drawn in unto life, which is 
life everlasting. 

Dear readers, has some one thrown the life 
line to you? I know they have; as well as to me. 
Come, let us join rich and poor, all colors too, and 
grasp hold of the life line, then we will all be rich 
in Christ. Following, Til present a few of the 
beautiful (to me) lines I have in these blessings 
been inspired to write. I write in simple words 
and as God inspires me. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. 

SUBMISSION. 

February 6th, igo2. 

Just as I am, I come to Thee, 
All my sins I bring with me. 
Take them and give me a soul 
Pure and spotless, white like snow. 

I am tired of the sin; 
Oh Lord, wilt Thou take me in? 
Guarded in love by Thee, 
Soon sin will from me flee. 

Then, O then will I feel 
Like a child of the King. 
Christ the King over all, 
Merciful King to great and small. 

Take me. Lord, without one plea, 
Knowing that Thou did'st die fore me; 
I from this sinful life would flee, 
That I may live forever with Thee. 



71 



^2 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 



CLOUDS IN SUNSHINE OR SUNSHINE AND 
CLOUDS. 

Written in igo2. 

I know not why I thus do feel, 
But true as if I were a reed 
Bent and broken to the ground, 
I silently await for a sound. 

Surely, some grievance I have done, 
I can not see the light of sun. 
As if a vail closed from sight 
The glorious vision of the Christ. 

I look and try hard to pierce 
The gloom, which now seems so fierce, 
For does it not a darkness bring. 
Reminding me as to result of sin? 

I'll not weary nor cease to strive 
To gain the peace by which love abides. 
And then again I may see 
The precious vision and presence feel. 

If searching brings us light. 
And thus rewards us with new sight. 
Then, oh then we'll gladly row 
To yon shores and reap as we sow. 

Faith and hope fast comrades be. 
They may travel o'er mystery's sea. 



FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. 73 

And if they accept charity's hand, 

She will guide them to the Golden Land. 

Faith so strong rises above the air, 
Hope keeps from us many a despair, 
Yet these two above will not find 
The peace and love which charity binds. 

SUPPLICATION. 

Written January igo2. 

Savior, be Thou ever near me. 
Grant Thou me to be my Guide 
Through life's troubles ; upon this sea 
Help me to do Thy will, I cry. 

I alone the battle can not fight 
Without Thy help, Most Divine, 
Against the many temptations of sin, 
Whch I must conquer, if I win. 

It is so easy to temptation yield, 
The flesh is strong, the spirit weak; 
And ere we know we have done 
An act, for which we must atone. 

Yet I'll not grow discouraged. 
For each victory won, though small, 
Will help to win me others. 
And soon I will not fall. 

Into the snares of the tempter 
Against which we all must build 
A wall of faith, love and charity. 
Back of which we are safe from sin. 



74 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

OUR NEEDS SUPPLIED. 

Written Year igo2, 

Jesus my Savior, Thou dost speak 
To every heart that they may seek 
And find in Thee the blessed peace, 
Which comes to all, if only believe. 

Thou, oh Christ, art all we need, 
If we the lesson of love but heed. 
Never will we wish to leave 
The rock of faith, upon which we lean. 

Christ, the Rock of faith, with us now pleads. 
That we within the shelter keep, 
To secure us and from sins ever free, 
Asking that we to our Maker flee. 

God and Christ loves you and me, 
Then why can we so careless be? 
If we will their radiance see. 
We must then our souls there lead. 

The joy and praises will never cease, 
There are no sorrows and no tears, 
God and Christ will be our shield, 
For this Christ long years ago did bleed. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
STRUGGLES OF THE SOUL. 

HEN \\Q attempt to throw oft the old gar- 
ments and don the new, we find we have 
developed into the old so much that we 
must tear this off by pieces, or in other words, 
cover the homely spots with fabrics bright and 
fine, closing out bad habits with good conduct, 
thus we labor until we are arrayed anew, but 
while occupied in this way, we meet with many 
pricks, which inflames and soon there is war, for 
the devil will never give up a subject willingly, 
but will promise all pleasures and prosperity, all 
in flesh and of the world. And not until we are 
fully determined to part company with this slayer, 
and his agents, do we know his devices and realize 
that we are at battle so fierce. The conflict many 
times discourages and we halt to rest, and in that 
moment of nap the evil has again broken through 
line, and we lie a helpless victim and seem- 
ingly at his mercy. Now power of will must do 
his duty, and come forward with nerve (faith) 
and love, approach and conquer the enemy. But 



76 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

for how long that we thus keep clear, depends 
upon our watchfulness, then 

Must we ever live in suspense 
And fear as the moments pass, 
That, perhaps, the next will bring 
A trial and temptation to sin? 

This fear that peace will not long 
Reign within, and strife begin, 
Is but misery. Yes, all the time, 
Even though there are moments sublime. 

To enjoy the peace which is peace, 
Is to live each moment in this bliss. 
Never varying, nor never cease. 
To count the cost, when one moment miss. 

'Tis well for those, who live in love. 
Remembering the greatest for God above, 
And give to others, as we should, 
Never will we lack in spiritual food. 

Many times do we appear with new patches 
on the old garment. But each of these are a 
credit mark of victories won. And while we know 
we have gained some, or if but one, we increase in 
faith and rely upon victory to assist in discarding 
yet more of the filthy and homely garment. But 
how resistful the old garment — habits and desires 
of the flesh — become, when they find they will soon 
be ignored. 



STRUGGLES OF THE SOUL. "Jj 

It is at this point, we often grow weak and 
submit, just where we thought we had grown 
strong against the attack. But to retreat is but to 
lose all; and if we reinforce, Christ will be our 
Captain and lead us on. 

CHRIST AS CAPTAIN AND COMFORTER. 

There is nothing so comforting to the soul 
As the knowledge, that Christ is near, 
If we in tribulation and distress groan 
And call in faith, then peace to us He'll speak. 

So often we feel as if all alone, 
Then we yet more miserable grow, 
Until we think, we can but despair. 
When into our hearts some unseen declares. 

If we but all our trials to Jesus bring. 
He will relieve and forgive our sins 
And teach us to be brave and forward march, 
Praising God for the light, when all was dark. 

We our enemies must all forgive. 
If we wish, that God in our hearts to live. 
For we can not the two masters serve, 
We must love One and the other spurn. 

Our minds and hearts can then be at rest. 
When we cherish the gifts of Christ so great, 
And love all as ourselves and never hate 
Those who persecute and put us to test. 



78 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Then if we wish our friends to persuade 
That God is forgiving, and in Him can have 
Life everlasting, we must not take 
Offence, but forgive and do for them what we can. 

The devil never wearies, but ofttimes wearies 
his victim. Even though we had had a barricade, it 
is not surprising to find the foe has charged and de- 
moHshed, and almost unawares brings us face to 
face with what we had hoped was indeed dead. 
But evils of worldly spirit have many lives, and, 
so long as not fully conquered, will at least touch 
sometimes, and, by the agents of sin, bring the 
original again upon the battle field, where con- 
flict anew, as old, Vvdll remind us of the fierce bat- 
tle we are about to feel within. 

CONFESSION A BALM TO THE SOUL. 

Savior and my God, just when I think 
I am on the way of conquering sin. 

Then all my hopes and peace near dies, 
Leaving me wrecked in heart and mind. 

1 do not know, until it is all done, 
Then I see my fault, but peace is gone. 
And I groan in heart and soul, 

Not knowing what to do, for I feel so cold 
Away from my Savior and His fold. 

O ! could I but live and know no evil 
Which brings all that is anguish and tears, 



STRUGGLES OF THE SOUL. 79 

The heart nigh breaks from its remorse 

Of yielding to the tempter, and leaving its course 

Which leads to salvation ''in the cross." 

Oh, I have struggled hard against sin. 
But when near victory, and the Savior in, 
Then satan, as if blind-folding me. 
Tells me of something, or lets me see — 
Which, if not just watching, I him believe. 

I would not mind the battle, if could grow 

Strong in grace and power, so I could show 

Old satan, that he can not me control. 

Then how happy I would be, for victory would be mine. 

And fear no more sin, but rest with Christ all times. 

The struggling soul labors hard to become 
unloosed from chains of evil. It longs for the lib- 
erty, which it may find only in service for God and 
Christ. But if we could gain all these blessings 
without effort, they would not be unto us cause for 
praise and rejoicing into eternity. 

This is sweet labor, even while we stumble 
along and turn not about to re-enter the abandoned 
apartments, in persistent energy, we feel that we are 
not alone, but a mighty and loving hand lifts up 
the prostrated spirit, leads it on, and teaches the 
right and wrong of all things, while guiding us to 
where the light shines, and manifests the good un- 
to us. Take the man who with a sudden touch of 
his hand invents a wonderful mechanical instru- 



8o LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

ment and thereby becomes wealthy without labor 
or struggle, will he appreciate as much and be 
equally grateful to his God for the bread, with 
which to feed hungry mouths, as the man who must 
spend his strength each day, hard at the sweat of 
brow, to gain but a meager livelihood for himself 
and family? 

No, the man in poverty, down-trodden, 
struggling, and stumbling, persecuted, jeered and 
meanly treated, will always be most grateful for 
(even though it be a dollar per day) the oppor- 
tunity of honestly appearing before employers for 
his reward. 

So then will the soul rejoice the more and re- 
ceive the reward of happiness, because of the trials, 
temptations and struggles in gaining the honest 
peace, than if it were presented with all peace and 
fruits of spirit, without any effort to obtain them. 
This is why each victory over sin brings us more 
joy, and I believe, if we stumble at one we are sure 
to conquer it, because if not finding labor, we 
certainly are not climbing the hill unto Zion. The 
devil will always smooth his paths, but when we 
attempt to leave them, then we find rocks, ravines, 
thorns and briars, and all obstacles which we must 
overcome, to follow into foot-prints of our Savior, 
the Christ. 



STRUGGLES OF THE SOUL. 8 1 

REMEMBRANCE. 

O Jesus, this day is almost spent, 
And nothing can we recall of good, 
Each hour, each minute, to us lent. 
Seems to have passed in discord. 

Great resolutions made when the day began, 
Not long until all fell beneath the load. 
Trials and tribulations, in weakness fanned 
The flame of impatience and wrath untold. 

Then a minute of calm lets us see 

Where we could so easily have pleased Thee, 

If had but turned upon the foe 

And trusted, that Thou wouldst help us through. 

O Lord Jesus, 'tis well Thou dost not leave us in 

despair. 
For at such moments the devil would have us in his 

lair. 
But Thou, as Thou hast promised, art ever near 
With Thy sweet assurance, that we need not fear. 

As we look into future, by faith 
We behold brighter prospects of Thy grace. 
We thank Thee, that not all the page 
Is darkened, as seemed unto us before our face. 

Give unto us renewed strength in faith, 
That submission and reliance fill our hearts. 
And loose us from evil's chains, 
Growing stronger as each weakness departs. 

6 



82 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

The Soul that earnestly longs for liberty can 
never aspire to it without a struggle. A battle 
with companions of the flesh. It cries out in its 
misery from being shackeled perhaps for many 
years, and if sincerely persists, there will appear a 
sympathetic Friend — the presence we must feel and 
even by faith behold the true sweet countenance, 
urging us on in strength and faith, gifts freely be- 
stowed unto us by Him, we perhaps will continue 
in safety until one of the old associates of the flesh 
makes himself heard. And before we think, we 
are again in this company, and how hard it is to 
break loose from) all that has become plastered 
with force upon the weaker life within, and often, 
when we, time after time, bruise the tender ten- 
drils by force against the projecting rocks of of- 
fence, ( in various forms), we grow weak from 
loss of spiritual sap, and think we must stop and 
rest. But it is here where Christ speaks to the 
conscience of the soul, and lets us see that not all 
is darkness about us, and He is yet near to help us 
through the most dire conflicts. 



STRUGGLES OF THE SOUL. 83 

THE SYMPATHETIC FRIEND. 

Our Lord is ever ready to answer prayer, 

Yes, Jesus is near — 
He asks us to believe on His name. 

For Jesus is here. 
He pleads, that we call in faith and trust 

And Jesus will hear. 
Never will He turn away from the sinner or just, 

Because to Jesus are dear. 

'Come all ye, who are weary. He says 

I'll give thee rest. 
Bring thy troubles, for my care; 

Cast upon my breast. 
Tarry not, your joys to fulfill 

You must now seek. 
In Christ your life rebuild — 

And from sinful pleasures retreat. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH THE SOUL. 
(Thoughts of past.) Written March 1902, 

I once was a stranger sure, 
Wandering about, no matter where. 

Knowing not, I was insecure. 
Enjoyment was my only care. 

Thus I roamed with careless thought. 

For why should I pleasures leave. 
When they were to me brought 

Without a price, they came to me. 

But soon — yet this was long ago, 

I found the bills that I must pay. 
And not prepared, I left them roll, 

Until they a burden to me became. 

Even then I knew not how 

I should gain my release, 
From what was to me as a prison bar, 

Until a voice cried : thou must believe. 

Then step bp step I ventured on. 

But many times missed the way. 
Because of being led into other roads, 

By that light which ever fades. 

84 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. 8$ 

Ofttimes discouraged I would rest, 

Ere I would advance on my way. 
And then pleasure would do his best, 

To lure me back, and offer to repay. 

I stopped in this way, many times 

Blindfolded, He had me then — 
Persuading — that what pleasures came in line, 
Were to us weary toilers sent. 

Believing all this was as true 

As it seemed just so good. 
That I as more could enjoy 

The fruits of love, such as he employed. 

But this love is unto death, 

I saw its sign upon a bottle. 
And as I still onward went, 

The same label was in the bottom. 

These self-same signs are so found 
Attached to many things and places, 

Yes, even is the label so wound 
About libertines' forms and faces. 

Then placing two into one, 

I saw there a beginning and end, 
The same label takes us from 

The road to travel without a bend. 

I have found it much longer takes 
Me to get out than it did getting in, 

For going, how smoothly the way was paved; 
Upon retreating, it is full of rocks of sin. 



86 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Over these I've been stumbling along 

And yet see a star so bright, 
Shining now and perhaps then a cloud 

Will its radiance close from sight. 

There was a time when I would 

Give up the struggle and wait 
As if I expected some one should 

Lift me up and say, "this was fate.'' 

I am now struggling to the front. 

Although I stumble and fall, 
I jump up. Nor do I ever want 

Him who tripped me my name to call. 

For I am armed to fight with him, 
Christ, the Captain, is my shield. 

I have no fear when He is near. 

The foes fast drop and victory I'll win. 

This I can with steadfast prayer 

And faith, for believing is receiving 

The crown of eternal life, Christ saith. 

I will press on, e'en though I am bleeding. 

Christ at once heals the wounds 

Of all who in the battle are. 
Within His bosom He will soothe 

The heart, who traveled so far. 

I trust that all my friends who read 
This little message will find a seed 

Planted in soil, where it will grow 
Yielding fruit everlasting, for which we sow. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. 87 

Here I have the story of myself told, 

And hope it may now grow old. 
For I pray I may never go through 

With the same, and thereby keep this tale new. 

I also ask the prayers of you all. 
That I may succeed and never fall. 

Even though stumbling, at last may win 
A crown of victory over sin. 

The soul will not struggle for liberty, after 
incessant abuse to the conscience, unless the world 
turns cold and aggrieves us; then memory to con- 
science will point out a star of light for our troub- 
les, the soul will take advantage of this and find 
there is conflict for the soul, (more than in flesh) 
because the soul had become to the flesh as chained, 
and all things (in flesh) of themselves seem as 
good and appear as if light and blessings brought 
to the children on earth. 

How soon we behold the truth of all things, 
when we finally have cause to find fault with flesh 
and worldly life! We then behold walls of rocks 
looming in darkness before, behind, and on every 
side. Then the soul begins a struggle to free itself 
from the narrow confines of crowding sins. Prior 
to this the way is so wide and liberal. As appeared 
even bright, that now, when the mask drops from 



88 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

this life, and its promoter, the spirit can but feel 
that each moment in this presence will smother 
all good. Yes, God be praised, that He with 
Christ is not so willing that the soul shall be lost. 
As we are ourselves, and thus the struggle begins. 
And by looking unto Him who can penetrate even 
into the very depths of our hearts, and knows the 
least desire therein, who can and will help us to 
climb over these walls. Or say we may feel as if 
in the midst of an ocean of sins, Christ throws the 
life line, or sends forth the life boat and brings us 
ashore on the other side, on the opposite of flesh 
with its worldly pleasures in so many forms. All 
of which may form an endless chain of sin, and not 
for ourselves only, as beginning with our conduct, 
so never ending the influence. Then a kind word, 
look, smile, or act will also start for us an end- 
less chain of good and love unto Christ. It is the 
latter chain the soul struggles for, if heir unto sal- 
vation. 

It is hard to loose the soul from^ its pictured 
doom, for the world is truly beautiful. Hence 
more need for Christ's help. When traveling upon 
the way, having broken through the mass of of- 
fences to God, the soul grows tired, and the flesh 
ever strong, has an eye, ear, or lips for that which 
had been abandoned, ready to yield. But the life 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. 89 

within life, will rescue the weak, and if not care- 
less, we fall back from the glare of sin. Knowing 
it to be sin, ashamed, because our Master found 
us tresspassing. 

If in careless thought we roam 

From place and object, filling time, 
How soon temptation greets alone, 

In listless wonder, conscience is left behind. 

But ere we this lane long have trod, 

If we once were in better state, 
Sure and quickly we grasp the rod 

By which to swing back our fate. 

The rod perhaps may be but will. 

Without the heart so inspired 
And resolutions with love e'en filled^ 

Drop from the pedestal we had acquired 

The rod of patience born of faith 

Will soon be an emblem of love, 
Then with this staff Christ saith 

The sinner can gain a home above. 

Following, v/e will present yet more personal 
poems, as from the heart ''the mouth speaketh." 
And God opened my mouth that I might speak of 
certain conflicts the struggling soul encounters. 
Then again resting in sunshine of heavenly things 
and protected under Christ's own wings, then the 



go LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

heart to us brings, peace on earth, and praises sing, 
because of our loving King who brings us unto 
every thing, that we know if good or sin. At these 
times the heart overflows with the beautiful and 
most wonderful blessings which we should be wil- 
ling to accept, and acknowledge day after day, 
grateful into the depths of our heart. I spiritually 
recognize many blessings and thereby wish to ac- 
knowledge them in my humble way. Many and 
most of the poems of heavenly inspiration were 
written early 1902. 

A very brief time after departure of my dear 
mother from earth to heaven, and dear father had 
responded to the call, just eight months prior. 
Thus they met on the other shore, both entering 
into the heavenly joys upon the Sabbath; they 
dropped all earthly cares with the earth form and 
entered into that glorious never ending of new and 
wondrous sights, which is knowledge. So to con- 
tinue to learn from Him the great and loving 
teacher, of the beautiful life they began while on 
earth, as submissive pupils to this teacher, in- 
creasing, growing in brilliant, glorified beauty, as 
God's own time moves. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. QI 

SORROW. 

Many are the heartaches 
We must endure on earth, 
If we our troubles do not take 
To God, who gave us birth. 
Trusting Him, He'll never forsake. 

We so often do forget 
When death comes in our midst, 
That God perhaps has meant 
The blow should reveal to us our sins. 
So, we will remember Him. 

Not heeding, we greatly mourn 
The loss of those most dear, 
Who above us now do soar; 
We feel that they are near. 
Watching OA'er us night and morn. 

They are but awaiting us 
In life eternal, gained 
By submission, and trust 
In God, are now reframed 
Secure from sorrow and pain. 

We, too this life can win. 
That we our loved ones meet, 
If trusting, and discard all sin. 
And leave the rest to Him, 
We'll dwell in that Home so sweet. 



92 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

We can not even think 
Of the beauties "over there", 
Of love, rest, sweet content, 
To be with those who share 
God's Paradise every where. 

Written February 5th, 1902. 

CHRIST COMFORTS THE SORROWING. 

Oh, after dear father's, and mother's death, 
There seemed to me nothing left, 
Until I of my Savior thought. 
Which consolation to me has brought. 

For from His precious words we learn 
That if we in our sorrows turn 
To Him, whose love never dies, 
But with us' in grief He sympathize. 

Although 'tis hard to always be 
Consoled by faith, when we 
Have bid farewell forever here 
To our friends, and parents dear. 

If we could but feel the grace 
Of God, then we could say, 
This parting is not forever. 
We'll meet again, e'en now severed. 

This is why we should trust 
That God merciful will be to us, 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. 93 

Forgiving our sins and lead us on 

"V^^here friends now are midst praise and song. 

Yes, our sorrow in this thought 
Is calmed by Him, who bought 
Salvation free with His own blood. 
That we through Him escape the flood. 

Written February 5th, 1902. 



DEATH. 

Death a mystery will ever be 
Until the Savior claims His own, 
Then the mystery to them revealed 
Who are called, with sins atoned. 

Death is that which none can describe, 
We know the spirit by God is called 
To leave its house, the body defined. 
To live as God wills, in realms beyond. 

Death to a home is severe. 
And the grief of loss thereby deplored, 
Friends and homes left so drear, 
When death our loved ones deems to score. 

Death in one sense is everlasting, 
And yet it is the gate to life; 
God with this power will blast sin. 
Then all will live divine. 



94 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

BLESSINGS IN BELIEVING. 

O ! what peace we do feel, 
When in solitude we commune 
With our Savior who will lead 
Us to rest with Him secure. 

If in prayer we earnestly ask, 
Believing that He will grant. 
We then will consolation find 
From all sorrow and tumults of mind. 

But He would wish us mindful be 
Not to grieve the spirit, us to leave — 
That we become as bound in sin 
And perhaps, too late, we turn to Him. 

We must not tarry ere we prove 
By our love and works, that we would 
Wish to live and die in Him, 
And He will help us to do His will. 

Year 1902. 

PRECIOUS TIME. 

Time is not ours to waste 
But to ever improve in deeds 
Of kindness, and thereby taste 
The fruits of love, oh, so sweet. 

Time to us is not certain 
For that we can not know 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. 95 

How soon that time will curtain 
The present from future here below. 

Time is to us a mystery 

Upon the wings of a dove, 

Once here, it is ever listless 

'If it remain, or e'en if it go. 

There are times so many, 
And we can not them define; 
First of all we have the present — 
And the right should be in line. 

Let us then ever remember 
That a time is oft times wrong, 
And that time, will sever 
Us from the time of song. 

We can recall the past 
Time only in memory. 
And had it been the last 
Time, some for worse, while others better. 

The time of future we can not see, 
And why should one seek to know 
Of that, which is not our own. 
Would, perhaps, bring but misery? 

God's time is time of all. 
Over all, in all, through all, 
By all; if to God we call 
We shall, at His time, behold all. 

February 6th, 1902. 



96 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

SUPPLICATION. 

Oh God, Thou dost know 
The trouble my soul is in, 
Trying to do here below 
That which will rid me of sin. 

Sometimes I think I'm right, 
Then my heart feels fear of wrong; 
Again, there are hopes of delight. 
Consoling thoughts come creeping on. 

If I could but stronger grow 
In faith, the staff of power, 
I would not then feel the blow. 
But feel secure in every hour. 

Thou hast said, if we believe. 
The Holy Spirit Thou wilt give 
To us, that we may succeed 
In deeds of love, while here we live. 

Then oh God, give me the grace 
To do Thy will — forsooth. 
That all my deeds will leave a trace 
By which others will follow soon. 

Why do we then lack in faith. 
When by faith we even live? 
Our breath, and all, is but faith, 
And faith in God relieves of sin. 

Written year 1902. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. 97 

SUPPLICATION. 

Savior lead me every day, 
Be Thou ever near my side, 
May I feel Thy presence near, 
Never weary of the stay, 
Watching, waiting with the tide. 
For God's boatman to appear. 

I seem to see The every place. 
Always watchful for what I do. 
Then if good, Thy blessing give. 
I more distinctly see Thy face 
In my mind, yet so true, 
Reveals to me the way to live. 

Then when I some wrong have done, 
Thou hast ever a sad expression 
To my mind, as if reproach; 
Then kindly beckon me to come, 
Redeem me from sin, by confession 
To Thee, O Lord, into the narrow road. 

I Thy blessings do implore 
Every day, nigh every hour. 
Trusting soon to know the way 
By which I may explore 
The mysteries about me found. 
There shall be e'en more. Thou dost say. 

Why should I fear, when Thou art near, 
When Thou hast said, it should be so 
That all those who believe can also do 
7 



98 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Upon this earth grea/t things so clear, 
If willing to see, and willing to know. 
That faith in God will help us through? 

We this gift dare not ignore, 
When praying that we might feel 
The presence oi those we loved 
So dear, called from us by the Lord ; 
Yet we longed that they might speak 
Through Thee our Savior and Lord of all. 
April 1902. 

IN WEAKNESS. 

my Savior teach me all 
Thou wouldst have me do, 
Do not leave me forlorn. 
While not understanding You. 

1 try my best to hear 
One little word to me, 
O Savior, is it wrong 
That I for this so long? 

Manifest unto me, O Lord, 
The truths of good and evil. 
That I may then record 
All the good for the real. 

Savior stay Thou nigh, 
That I feel a sense of peace, 
And look in faith to all on high, 
And be forever from sin released. 
5 1902. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. 99 

JESUS, THE ADORED. 

how happy I will be, 
When Jesus beckons to me ; 
I'll so gladly go to Him, 
Where there is no more sin. 

Jesus, our Savior, will come 
To take us to His Glorious Home, 
There to dwell forever more 
Amidst praises for the Adored. 

1 would gladly bid farewell 
To all that this world holds. 
If could but even rest 

At the feet of Jesus the Lord. 

What joy to kiss the prints 
That cruel nails there left, 
Endured for all, by Him, 
That we in salvation be caressed. 

Year 1902. 

THE HEART OF ALL. 

What would I not give 
For a heart pure from sin, 
A heart beating with love 
For God and Savior above. 

A heart to praise my God 
In love and devotion enshrined, 
A heart to cheer my soul 
With wondrous, faithful delight. 

L Of C. 



100 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

A heart that overcometh 
All snares, evil puts forth, 
One that will not smother 
When charged, by temptations torn. 

A heart, strong and sincere. 
Ever ready some good to reveal 
For one, perhaps weak and faint. 
If could but know, might be a saint. 

February 7th, 1902. 

The follov^ing nine verses, were written sep- 
arately, and at various times, just as thoughts 
became mine. 

SUPPLICATION AND DEVOTION. 

O God, my sins, I pray Thee, forgive. 
That when I die I yet may live 
With God and Savior and friends so true, 
Awaiting others, for whom I pray too. 

O, to be with my Savior, 
Evermore with Him to dwell. 
Snatched from sin by faith and prayer. 
Launched in safety from depths of hell. 

It is to our Savior we must go, 
If we our fate would know; 
He in forgiveness and great love 
Will help us to a home above. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. lOl 

Jesus died upon the cross, 
That sinners would not be lost, 
He to the world did give 
His life, that we might live. 

Asking only, that we shall believe 
That He came down from above, 
And lived among sinners such as we, 
Seeking souls to win through love. 

O, ye weary, wandering souls. 
Come at the Savior's call. 
Remember, 'twas He who told 
That He upon the tree would die 
For sinners like me — and all. 
To get salvation, if we try. 

O God, give to us the power 
To say. Thy will be done. 
That Thy blessings may be showered 
Upon us, through faith and love. 

The task before us is not hard. 
If we but to our Savior go 
And pray to Him, to impart 
The grace by which He loves us so. 

We an answer will receive, 
If asked as if we believed 
That God our prayers will grant 
Throu^ love, though we do not understand. 



102 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

COME TO JESUS. 

Come, come, come! 
See, He beckons us to come. 
Will we refuse the outstretched hand 
By which He will lead us to a better land? 

He is so faithfully watching 
For us to come to Him; 
Why do we wait, receiving nothing 
But miseries and woe in sin. 

True, you may sometimes think 
There's yet time to accept 
This request — away from sin. 
But there might be no affect. 

How can one wilfully hesitate 
Upon a matter so great, 
Of choosing death or life. 
The former dark, the latter bright? 

February 4th, 1902. 

PARTING WITH) LOVED ONES. 

When parting Vv-ith those we love. 
Even to behold again, some time to come 
We feel a sorrow and regret. 
And think we shall never forget. 

But when the time comes to part 
With our most loved ones at the grave, 
We then an anguish feel so sharp. 
And to see them again we crave. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. IO3 

The separation grows more severe 
As time goes on, and we know 
We can never on this side see 
Those who passed to the other shore. 

Faith and love alone will bring 
Visions of loved ones through the King, 
Who blesses all with wondrous sight, 
They who call and believe in the light. 

O for God's light to shine 
Upon us, that we may be 
Forever with the spirits enshrined, 
That we their presence feel. 

And when we feel they are near. 
We seem to forget they have gone, 
But only await us to come. 
When Christ calls roll, and to them appear. 

We must then be ever ready. 
If to our loved ones wish to go. 
For to be ready is to be steady 
In love for God and His work here below. 
February 9th, 1902. 

PLEADING FOR ALL. 

See, He waits, waits for me, 
I'll not this treasure throw aside. 
But go at once that I may be 
One of many, in His Home abide. 



104 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Come, wont you come too? 
There's room yet for you 
And every one who will come, 
Will share with Him this blest Home. 

We must ever changeless be. 
Or from sins can not be free; 
No more vain glories seek, 
Or Christ to us will no more speak. 

We have already waited long, 
Our peace with God to make, 
That we our hearts fill with song, 
Of prayer, and praise, and faith. 

See, on yon shore He stands. 
Still beckoning for us all 
To appear upon the golden strand 
Beyond the river, ere we fall 
February 4th, 1902. 

LONGINGS. 

Savior, Savior, hear me, 
Thy protection I so need. 
Come and with me do stay, 
I long to have Thee every day. 

I know my sins are many, 
Forgive me, do not me forsake, 
I yield to Thee, and fervently implore 
That I may now be a new born. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. IO5 

Although many, Thou wilt forgive 
If we but will do Thy will, 
Forsaking sin, and Thee to love 
Receiving power from God above. 

We then will safely feel, 
With Christ as our shield. 
No more cries of fear. 
For Christ will then be near. 

We must not the Holy Spirit grieve, 
Or He will us then sadly leave. 
And who can tell, none but God, 
Perhaps no retrieve, ere claimed by sod. 

There's no time like the present time, 
To seal our fate with God, 
Come, let us now fall in line 
With those marching in one accord. 
February 5th, 1902. 

BEYOND RECALL. 

The days now past can not be 
Recalled, whether spent in good or ill. 
The best we can do, is to see 
That we cherish good and shun all sin. 

As we think of days passed by. 
Some bring remorse to our mind. 
It is for deeds we have done. 
For which we must now atone. 



I06 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

And with the present may 
We do as Christ would wish us to, 
And if we in this line remain, 
The future, too, will bear us through. 

And as we travel on life's way. 
We can then recall the past and say, 
My work I've done, so far is good, 
I pray, and trust, it has taken root. 
(To grow eternally in spirit.) 

February gth, 1902. 

ALL GOOD THINGS COME FROM GOD. 

The power with Christ from Heaven came down, 
That He the mysteries of earth expound 
To all who would wish to understand. 
And by these know there is another land. 

The land with spirits divinely inhabited, 
Who now can live the life of eternity. 
Working for the Master, what it be 
If to praise Him, or souls to seek. 

Our land is but a shadow 
Of another, which we can not fathom. 
But God, as ruler of all lands, 
Will lead us to the light by the hand. 

God's will, if done on earth 
As in Heaven, would be our first 
Pleasure, nor should we ever shirk 
His will to do, for He is just. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. IO7 

God, and Christ, alike are to us, 
All that there is upon this earth. 
Adviser, judge, ruler, and king, 
Solving all things we take to Him. 



LIFE. 

Life is but a fleeting breath, 
Yet it can be sweetly made, 
If we choose that life from death — 
The death, which leads to hades. 

Life is here what we make it, 
A wicked life, an unhappy one, 
While we wish it to be sweet, 
There are many things we must abstain from. 

Some enjoy life here more than others, 
But that may be only feigned, 
Unless, indeed, Christ is their brother 
Through their endurance of all things named. 

Yes, there are those who are happy 
Ignorantly, as it seems, knowing no better 
Than to enjoy the world, heeding not the rapper 
Who wishes to unloose from them the chains. 

The life led in this enjoyment 
At times awakens to its peril ; 
Then seeking to better the life so lent. 
And if rightly used, gains a life forever. 



I08 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Better still is the life which began 
With open heart and extended hands, 
To receive and give that which means life, 
Life so beautiful, life in Christ. 

There's none who cannot this life obtain, 
If they but from evil refrain, 
And by good works for God proclaim 
The happiness awaiting for all the same. 
February 20th, 1902. 

LIKE UNTO A STRANGER. 

Sad and lonely I sit and wonder, 
If life ever must be to me 
A vain attempt to founder 
An understanding and feel 
That friends or foes in me believe. 

I seem to feel so foreign to them 

For one with views, just as mine, have not met, 

The harder for me my thoughts to tell 

To those who these things do not mind. 

Then I my lonely seat take behind. 

Sometimes I think, perhaps 'tis true 
I my views too strangely reveal, 
They cannot see with me, the new 
Something, which my life has sealed 
And brought me to a place of food. 

If to one I could but tell 
Of two, that seem to war within 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. IO9 

My heart, and each say, "All is well". 
That at times 'tis e'en hard to know the sin, 
Or believe, that I may with patience win. 

But though sad and lonely I feel, 
I pray and trust, I soon can prove 
To friends and all, my thoughts serene. 
To guide me on the way where there is room. 

Room for all, if all will appeal 
To Christ the gateman, so kind. 
He will gladly every one receive, 
Giving sight to those, who now are blind. 
All this so free, if we only believe. 
March 2nd, 1902. 

TO LIVE FOR JESUS. 

Dear Savior, speak to me 
The sweet assurance of peace, 
And grant, I'll ever be 
Faithful and loving unto Thee. 

Do Thou dwell in my heart. 
And always to me ampart 
"Wthat of wrong, or good, I do. 
That I may live ever true. 

O Savior, I long to be 
Strong in faith, and free 
From all, which will lead 
Me to evil, and Thee grieve. 



no LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

I beg Thee, cleanse my soul 
Of all impurities so old. 
Deliver me from the cold 
Atmosphere of being alone. 
1902. 

WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING. 

Why in sickness, do we feel 
The need of Him, who can heal 
Both body and soul at His will, 
And which He will ever do. 
Give health to body, life to soul. 
The price of which is, "to believe". 

While in health, perhaps indifferent grow, 
Thinking not how near the blow 
Of some misfortune (earned by sin) 
To us, that we may draw nearer Him. 
We oft-times then, humbly bow 
Before our Lord of will and power. 

Then, why not at all times 
Bear in mind these few lines, 
For me. Lord Jesus, Thou hast died. 
My days are gliding swiftly by. 
And I my peace with Thee would make, 
I plead with Thee, my soul to take. 

O hasten on, the time is short. 
May be today, or tomorrow. 
Let us all advance and hold the fort 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. Ill 

To battle strong against evil power, 
Until we behold a triumphal signal 
'From God, that we with His chosen mingle. 
Year 1902. 

GOD OUR REFUGE. 

Thou, O God, art all we need, 
If to Thee our hearts do give ; 
Waiting not, but sow the seed 
From which we'll reap to live. 

Patiently we may win a soul 
Who ne'er has learned of Him 
Who died, as it was told. 
Dying, to save us from sin. 

Now to labor we must go. 
If we the prize would win. 
Never fear, if the pace be slow. 
Courage and patience will conquer sin. 

Why do we wait for others to 
Move before and pave the way? 
Others, perhaps, wait for you. 
Then do not wait, but begin today. 

This is the time, Christ says to us. 
Today the day of salvation 
For us to receive, if we trust 
In Him and accept His invitation. 



112 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Come, let us to our Savior go, 
To Him our troubles all reveal. 
He our souls will cleanse like snow, 
If we submit, love and believe. 
Year 1905. 

LONGING FOR HIS PRESENCE. 

Savior, Savior, hear my cry, 
May my prayers be wafted high. 
Do not, oh, do not leave me. 
For I fear to be alone upon the sea. 

It is so wide and so deep, 
The fathoms, which we can not feel. 
Savior, do Thou keep me by Thy side 
That I may forever with Thee abide. 

I feel no evil when Thou art near, 

Savior may I feel Thy presence now. 
So I can feel in better cheer, 

1 humbly beg, to Thee I bow. 

Thou art to me so indistinct. 
What have I done to grieve Thee? 
Oh, do forgive me, my Savior dear 
And help me to keep from sin. 

Yes, Thou didst die for me 
As for all, from sin to free. 
Savior, do Thou Thy blessings give 
To me and all, that we may live. 
; Year 1902. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. IIJ 

THE SWEETEST NAME. 

Jesus, the sweetest name to repeat, 
How can we ever doubtful be 
Of salvation, sure and free, 
When Jesus to us now speaks? 

He wishes us to believe 
That He will our sins forgive 
All He asks, that we receive 
The blessings of Jesus, believe and live. 

Jesus, who from Heaven came down 
To live as man, lived here. 
That He might wear for us the crown 
Of thorns, and feel the thrust of spear. 

All this He did for you and me, 
Now what have we done for Him? 
Let us at once be brave, not fear 
To acknowledge love for God and hate for sin. 

If we do as we think He would wish, 
Then He will lead us along the way. 
So, when we some rough places reach, 
Jesus will help us if we pray. 

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds 
To the ear of a grief-stricken heart. 
For has He not said. He would heal the wounds 
And cleanse and purify the soul? 
8 



114 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

But for this, we must to Jesus go, 
Jesus, the Redeemer of sins, 
Will help us in faith and grace to grow. 
By which we conquer and enter in. 

JOY IN HIS PRESENCE. 

Dearest Savior, I long to be Thine, 
Wilt Thou keep near my side. 
That evil will flee from my mind, 
Leaving a heart pure and kind? 

O come, abide Thou with me, 
I wish Thy child ever to be. 
Help me to do that which I need. 
To rejoice in Thy sweet liberty. 

With Thee and our God I wish to live, 
And in eternity Thy praises sing. 
O Savior, I my sins now bring, 
Cleanse me and with Holy Spirit fill. 

Take me, O Savior, say not nay, 
But let me with Thee forever stay. 
Help me that I may never delay 
To trust in Thee and always pray. 
Year 1902. 

COME AT THiE SAVIOR'S CALL. 

Come while the sun is shining. 
Come at the noon day call. 
Come to the Savior, not repining. 
Come, He will save us all. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR II5 

Come, this is the time to gather 
The sheaf of the golden grain, 
From seed of love and charity planted. 
For He, the Savior, who was slain. 

Come, let us no longer tarry, 
Or it may ever be too late 
For us our sins to carry 
To Him, who can seal our fate. 

We then will wish we had hearkened 
To the voice who called so long, 
Come now, ere day begins to darken. 
He will yet receive you, yes, come. 
Year 1902. 

LOVE. 

Love, thou sayest, what is love? 
'Tis not hard the real love to define. 
Love as known in Heaven above. 
Is a sense, which makes all things sublime. 

Love as Christ had for all man-kind, 
When willing to die upon the cross, 
Love like this we will never find, 
Only the love of Christ, God's Son. 

Love means all that is kind ; 
Is forgiving, nor yields to wrath; 
Love will friends and kindred bind, 
Nor will it forsake even the outcast. 



Il6 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Love in all contentment delights 
In joys, as its environment proves, 
Ever ready to assist us o'er the tide 
Of rebellious sin, which before us loom. 

Love is ours, then let us give 
To each as we would receive. 
Not to please mankind alone, 
But our God and Savior above. 

Love for God, and Savior, above all, 
And love for mother comes so great, 
For mother so loves the child she bore; 
The father, too, can his love relate. 

Love, as husbands should have for wives. 
Is the love in confidence and truth. 
The wife for love, then will confide. 
And love like this will sorrow soothe. 

Love for kindred — again another. 
And friends dear need not fear. 
For love will ever create a wonder: 
Even strangers are loved, whoe'er they be. 

Now love is lovely as you love. 
And love will help us to a home 
Where all is love : God and Son 
Give this love to a sinful world. 
March 30th, 1902. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. II/ 

SEEN AND UNSEEN. 

My faith looks up to Thee 
And makes me long to see 
The form and face so near, 
For the precious presence I feel. 

It seems not far where Thou art, 
Yet with my hands I can not touch; 
Thou art so near, I seem to start 
When I remember, 'tis but faith and trust. 

If the eye of mortal could view 
The scenes and forms so nigh, 
We would, perhaps then lose 
That longing, grasping desire. 

God knows best and for us plans, 
That we may humbly seek, and bow. 
Guiding us towards His chosen land. 
The Heavens where we'll receive the crown. 
November 1902. 

WHY UNBELIEVING? 

Why must we so stupid be. 
As not to be able to know or see 
That Christ has but gone before, 
To lead us and teach us by different forms? 

We need not feel as if so far away 
From God and Heaven, and endless day, 



Il8 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

If we read and learn Christ's own words. 
Can we not then His house-hold know? 

He says, Believe on Me, I but ask, 
And you may all the power receive. 
If in prayer and faith you do not lack. 
You'll be blessed with power unseen. 

How can we doubt the Lord divine. 
When He says, if but ask in His name 
He will grant, that glory shine 
From Father to Son, and Son unto us the same? 
October 19th, 1902. 

SAVIOR DIVINE. 

See, how lovely, as He stands waiting. 
Watching at the gate for all. 
With a tender look, while taking 
In those who answered His call. 

His grandeur we cannot describe. 
Most beautiful, by faith only beheld. 
Loving, meek, and forgiving aliike. 
All who go to Him for help. 

Never weary, the beautiful Divine 
Patiently watches over His sheep, 
And when any of the lost He finds, 
He rejoices and wishes all to keep. 
Year 1902. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. II9 

IN MEMORY. 

Long years have flown since I sat by sweet mother's 

knee 
To hear the stories read, and learned to believe, 
That He, our God and Father, sent His Son to live as we 
/\nd bring forth light, teach the truth, and offer life of 

peace. 

Many years, I say, have passed by since then. 
Some with joy and pleasure, then again bereavement 

sent. 
It was God's will, He had but lent, 
And when taking, His love and power He manifests. 

Heedless, yes heedless, we became so soon. 
Perhaps, because our most beloved and friends most true, 
Were yet spared, though we numbered few. 
Our love became our world, inhabited by two : 
Father and mother, dear, the dearest friends we knew. 

Now they, too, have gone to dwell amongst the pure 
Where Christ their lives renewed. 
Living with Christ and loved ones, never to lose 
The life everlasting, bestowed upon all, who Christ will 
choose. 

Their spirit has left the prison walls of earth 
And activity immortal received in new birth. 
Christ who called them, has quickened them for work. 
The labor not of brain or hands, but of pure love. 



I20 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Do you, dear reader, believe with me 
That souls of redeemed are ever near? 
We need not be separated, only in sight, 
And even then God casts a radiance bright, 
That by faith we behold our loved ones through Christ 
shine. 



GONE, YET SO NEAR. 

Loved ones have gone to the other side 
And left us weeping, and, oh, how sad ! 
But time is passing to leave behind 
The hopelessness and sorrow we had. 
For Christ so comforts, that we find 
We yet have our loved ones at our side. 
To comfort and lead us to that better land. 
The world to us must worthless grow. 
If in spirit to spirit we wish to sow 
And reap the blessings, that we may know, 
Our Savior and loved ones, on the other shore. 
God holds before us the brightest light — 
The Savior's birth and man in life. 
Born divine, yet in flesh as man. 
He conquered satan and in glory stands. 
Let us follow the path so lovingly trod 
By our Savior, who never gave a thought 
As to what He should do or say, 
But each day and moment trusted in God 
For strength and guidance on every day. 
Now the Savior has but gone before 
To pave the path, make bright the way. 
That we may in His footsteps now tread, 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. 121 

So easy, if it be but as easy as said, 
But too easy we halt, and miss more 
Than we had touched, and oh, how sore 
Again we start. O God, help us in Thy might, 
That we may ever keep the light in sight. 
It is as if the path narrow and long. 
So straight and upward as on a mount. 
Behold a traveler with staff in hand. 
Moves to step into prints in sand; 
Never a backward look, for before him shines 
The radiance of the life of Jesus Christ. 
He now so anxious grows 
For to reap as he sows. 
He beholds the crown of life 
Held by Jesus in the light. 
October 21st, 1902. 

UNKNOWN TIME. 

Not long, perhaps, that all remain 
In this world of sin and pain; 
We can not tell, it may be soon, 
It may be redemption, it may be doom. 

We pray to God, have mercy on all, 
Protect us and help us when we fall. 
O, may our grace by faith grow strong 
That we neither fall or stumble, Lord. 

Time seems so short, there's no time 
For us to waste, nor enough to use. 
It seems that time is to us so kind. 
Yet it will not stop : for what we lose . 



122 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Methinks I can not accomplish what I wish, 
For time hastes on, while I stop and think; 
I grasp, because I long to read and learn 
More each day, as from thoughts to realities I turn. 

Not long ago I pleasures sought 
From worldly things, and as fiction taught. 
The time went on — ^but God thought it best, 
To bring me to a serious test. 

At once, when sickness laid me low. 
Then only could I see what I sowed. 
And as the pages God turned for me, 
I was tortured, I longed to be free. 

Yet in my weakness I found new strength. 
Life which lived, when the body spent; 
I cried in anguish for Christ to help 
And let me live, that I might others tell. 

But as the body strength regained. 
The spirit weaker, and thus ashamed. 
Yet a battle between the two. 
And most times the spirit lose. 

I still thought my soul was on its way, 
When if the end it reached, t'would be endless day. 
Not long now, and the time upon me came. 
That God sent forth, my loved ones claimed. 

Father and mother, dearest on earth, 
Were taken away, the more now we wish to learn. 



CONFLICTS AND CONQUEROR. I23 

God and Christ showed unto us, 

That if we our sweet parents again would see, 

We must be humble and bend the knee. 

Believing and trusting, look to Him, 
Seek to please and do His will. 
This is why I long to know 
More and more of the Heavenly Home, 
Where Christ has taken our parents dear 
Awaiting for us, to become redeemed. 

Yes, the time now is too short for me, 
For there seems to be something I feel. 
As if something, and time will not wait. 
That I may learn all — I crave, 
For did I not many precious moments waste? 

While I heedlessly, a die then cast, 
For which God chastised, e'en so fast. 
Still I waited; and now the mast 
Is full upon me, will this last? 

I know, God forgives all, when I believe and ask — 
This I do because I love my task. 
1902. 



TIME NOT OURS. 

Time not ours, but God's — thus lent — 
That we may live as the Christ He sent. 
Who in love, though sinless, died for all 
To redeem the souls from eternal fall. 



124 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Haste, we now must make great speed, 
For long years we would not let Him lead, 
The time which we must improve, 
Is now, just now, or meet our doom. 

No ! 'tis life we seek and God says yes. 
Because we believe. He will us bless. 
If we drop the weakness of mortal clay 
He brings us into the land of endless day. 
Year 1903. 

BLESSED ARE THEY WHO SEEK. 

I have found sweet peace in Jesus, 
Never wish I to stay away; 
Help me, O my Savior, 
Lead me on, lead me every day. 

Bless me ever with sweet grace 
Of Thy Heavenly power. 
Sanctify all things, every place, 
That I may see Sharon's flower. 

I hear the voice of Jesus say, . 
(Come unto me, and rest. 
It seems to be in every place, 
I pray I may be forever blest. 

Jesus, O Savior, abide with me. 
May I now and ever Thy child be? 
Thou Who givest to all so free. 
Grant, that I may be near to Thee. 
Year 1903. 



CHAPTER XX. 

SPIRITUAL GIFTS. 

James i : 16-17. 

Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good 
gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, and 
Cometh down from the father of Hght, with whom 
is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 

We must be steadfast in our faith unto God 
and Christ, if we would wish to receive good and 
perfect gifts, and be able to recognize them. And 
receiving them, we must not neglect so great a 
favor, but use the gift according to the way God 
bestows it. He is not the author of confusion; 
hence we will at once know, if strive to under- 
stand, what and how to please the blessed Giver of 
so great and perfect gifts. He does not give them 
to us only to exalt us. No ! we must be the more 
humble, as considering ourselves chosen, to re- 
ceive gift or gifts, whereby He surely expects us 
to labor for Him: And if trusting, while believing 
fully. He will lead us and teach us — we will never 
be in want for knowledge of what to do, say^ or 
how. But, as I say, to perfect the labor from the 

125 



126 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

perfect gifts, we miust submit and endeavor to 
please Christ. 

James i : 22, 23, 24, 25. 

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers 
only, deceiving yourselves; 

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not 
a doer, he is Hke unto a man, beholding his natural 
face in a glass; 

For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, 
and straightway forgetteth what manner of man 
he was. 

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of 
liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a for- 
getful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man 
shall be blessed in his deed. 

James 2 : 14. 

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a 
man saith he hath faith, and have not works? Can 
faith save him? 

Life is no life without knowing of and under- 
standing the gifts God gives to those who are 
ready to accept, there is no time to waste on earth, 
for what we ignore here, will not live as our life 
there. We must grasp hold of God's promises 
and await, for He will wait upon us. He loves 
to prove to us His mercy, love and power. He 



SPIRITUAL GIFTS. 12/ 

loves for us to prove our love for Him:, by ac- 
cepting Him as the Giver of all gifts, for us also, 
to hearken, as He asks us. And we will truly 
hear, when our mind is clear from earthly webs. 
We can have all gifts, according to the way we 
submit, thus we receive. 

Gifts of Spirit leads us on 
To know of, and see the life beyond. 
Gives sight that no earthly eye beholds, 
Reveals might, as Christ foretold. 
Looks beyond earth's desert life. 
To find the garden of Paradise. 

Ephesians 4: 8. 

Wherefore He saith, when He ascended up 
on high : He led captivity captive, and gave gifts 
unto men. 

These spiritual gifts, (be they what they 
may) that God blesses His children upon earth 
with, are recognized — and perhaps with faith. 
Yet, if we do not use them, as God Would direct, 
faith or gift brings us nothing, we must have 
works to prove our faith. And with the many 
divers gifts God will bestow upon believers, there 
need be none, who need say they have no talent to 
speculate with. 

If we are not too carnal, we must behold and 



128 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

feel, and at once we are instructed how to use 
them — ^that we may profit the more, not only to our 
own benefit, but to that of those with whom we 
speculate. I wish I might meet with every reader 
of my simple and humble lines, (beautiful to me) 
that I might hear what wonderful things they per- 
haps have failed to develop, because of heedlessly 
wrapping these talents (gifts) into the napkin of 
procrastination, or thoughtlessness, or even, may 
be, because of unbelief, and left it to rust. 

If any such read these lines, search for your 
talents, if unused, bring them forth, polish them 
with love and faith, and place them just where 
they will show their brightness, and bring a luster 
to all coming in contact. If you do not know, or 
feel you are not certain of how or where God 
would desire you to use them, then don't ask your- 
self the question. You would not ask of yourself, 
if employed by others in shops, offices, stores of 
any kind or manufacturing establishments, how, 
where or when to do a thing, if you did not fully 
understand. You would naturally turn to your 
employer for the desired instructions. Just so 
you must turn to your Master, and Giver of gifts 
for instruction. He will teach you all things. Just 
depend and watch as you would upon a school- 
master when encountering a tedious problem, and, 



SPIRITUAL GIFTS. I2g 

too, more willing still, is our Heavenly Father to 
direct and shield us, than the most devoted and 
loving parent on earth. 

While we speak of God, we mean the same of 
Christ, being one. 

Thus we live unto both through the same 
spirit. Christ our leader and captain of salvation, 
willing forever to teach us all things. And neither 
need we fear to approach Him, for He reaches 
forth unto us the blessed opportunities of learning 
of Him. 

To him who calls unto Me 
I will never say nay. 
The gifts which I give so free 
I'll teach on every day, 
That all may rise and say, 
Christ the Lord brings recompense to him that prays. 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 
Praise Him forever, and forever adore 
Christ, our Savior, Christ, our Lord 
Christ our love on earth and Heaven above. Amen. 




APPENDIX. 

SPIRITUAL LIGHT OR SPIRITUAL 
ARITHMETIC. 



PIRIT Light, the Hght from God. The light 
which Uves and sheds forth a brilHance 
of comprehension, a manifestation of 
good, an ignoring of evil, a light, if ac- 
cepted and loved, will spread and expand 
into wondrous revelations; fill the heart with 
joy; open the eyes of faith; folding us in the 
clasp of loving content; satisfied with God's plans 
and ways. We learn to know ourselves as we are, 
and what we may be. We find Light is Life; 
Light is truth, Christ in our hearts, we have light. 
We see and hear that which opens up an under- 
standing of mystery, of things as if told by many 
tongues, and because of this light, we learn our 
spirit lessons. We were taught (as many are now) 
that Christ as Spirit, lived far above, and the only 
solution we could gain, was that He was living be- 
yond the skies. But He wanted to live in spirit in 

131 



132 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

our hearts. Thus, if we learn to love Him, we 
would have Him in our hearts. 

We did not know of a divine part in the hu- 
man, because we did not thoroughly understand 
that a part of the being was the Spirit, (and in 
reality, the real being is the Spirit). Then how 
can we know Christ, when we do not know our 
own spirit? We may think we know Him, and 
perhaps, because of that blindfolded faith, may 
have even had the experience of rest and peace, a 
contented disposition, but never the peace which 
is the result of knowing Christ (spiritually). 

First recognizing ourselves as spirit, and 
through spirit know Christ in spirit, then wc 
know we belong to Him and that we have a Sav- 
ior living, who died and lives now, more com- 
pletely with all who accept Him, than He did with 
any one while on earth. He is now with us all, 
admonishing in love, teaching with power, 
strengthening our spirits with the light of knowl- 
edge for sight and hearing. Our love for good 
and hate of evil is one of our first lessons really 
spiritual. Nor do we need to go to an edifice 
erected for services, that we may commune with 
God and Christ spiritually. We can have them in 
our homes as chief and honored guests, and, as we 
receive the Spirit in our homes, at our labor, 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 133 

in all business etc., just so will He live in our 
hearts. 

We can not say we have Jesus in our hearts, 
and yet be selfish, unkind, uncharitable, vain, or 
slothful, for these and others the human Hfe is 
victim to, are enemies to Christ. They murder 
spiritual life, and unspiritual means non-Christ- 
tian, "unchristlike'' — Christlike is to have Christ. 
Having Christ, we have a true, interested, loving 
friend, sympathizing with us in all troubles, ready 
to bear our burdens. How? By lightening them. 
As we know and love Him, His presence we'll 
feel; hear His voice speak peace and comfort to 
US. We are very near to Him, because we have 
accepted Him, and thus, in our trials, our sorrows, 
or difficulties of any nature, we are spiritually 
communing and listening. For what do we listen? 
You know not? yet you expect something. That 
proves Christ is making Himself heard in His love 
to you. You feel directed, you are comforted; 
yes, you know you have a friend to go to. Look- 
ing up, we find Him, still far above, even though 
with us, above us, because of His divinity, because 
of our Savior, because as ''one" with God. Yet, 
dear friends, thus our Lord deigns to stoop in His 
love. He is at our side, and as personal as we 
accept Him. More than any earthly friend, whom 



134 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

we claim as personal friend, yet who is far above 
us intellectually. What He knows, sees, and 
understands, result of cultivation, is beyond our 
comprehension. Yet He stoops to be our personal 
friend. We can rise to be His personal friend, 
equal in intelligence, as on the other side, by free- 
ing ourselves completely from world's slavery or 
the love of earthly blessings, we may rise, unto a 
plane of spiritual life, which lifts us up after 
Christ. 

Christ said : And if I be lifted up, I will draw 
all men after me. This means women too, dear 
friends, as even children know the power of His 
love. 

That we may look and reach (spiritually) 
higher, farther than our carnal minds can know — 
but the Spirit searcheth all things, yea even the 
deep things of God — getting into closer commun- 
ion, true and loving or confidential fellowship with 
Christ. To advance, we must permit Him to 
teach and lead us, as the babe learns to walk and 
talk; Christ makes bright and easy the way, al- 
ways as a light above us, protecting us from the 
marches of discouragements, against listless help- 
lessness, causing us to look up and grow up ; find- 
ing our joys are not of earth. Our loved ones, 
who have severed from the earth body life, are 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 135 

not in the earth, but above us. As they are now 
living complete with Christ, and thus are with us 
more than while on earth. Their life is a continu- 
ance of what it began spiritually here. Hence, for- 
ever instructed; learning into all eternity; g;row- 
ing spiritually intelligent, with Christ as their in- 
structor. 

DAY BY DAY. 

Day by day we learn yet more 
If Christ our tutor, we are borne 
Far from earth's shallow life, 
Away to the banks of endless light. 

Day by day Christ speaks to us, 
Teaches the lesson of the just, 
Lifts us up to hear Him say: 
Come unto me, I'll repay. 

Day by day we eat and drink 
Of the spirit of life, away from sin. 
Day by day we see and hear 
Life full of love and cheer. 

Day by day the morn draws nigh, 
When Christ will call roll on high, 
Amongst the hosts of loved ones fair, 
A day unto each, and we'll all be there. 
March 17th, 1906. 



136 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Christ loves for us to know Him as our 
personal tutor, to teach us all things which will 
enlarge, beautify, and advance (lift up) our spir- 
itual self. Thus accepting Him and His teach- 
ings while in body, stepping up into a higher 
grade after death claims this body in which we 
take our first lessons, is it possible for one to be- 
come spiritually educated, without Christ with 
them? No! We could not know of nor learn the 
spirit of our body, the real and only life we pos- 
sess, which is life. Thus the sooner we begin to 
realize that our spirits become co-workers with 
Christ; (the Holy Spirit) the sooner will He 
educate us to live and do that v\^e may not stop at 
a certain point of knowledge, but continue to 
learn, and always new and wonderful facts, born 
of love. As God is love, we must love to learn, 
love to see the light, even though it mirrors to us 
our life in a deformed condition. 

The praise and thanksgiving should beautify 
our souls, because God in His love and mercy 
gives unto us the light to see; that we may im- 
prove, for need there be. We not only know His 
teachings, by our spiritual growth in its various 
ways, but we may even recognize Him as speak- 
ing. His voice will not be strange to us, if we 
love it; and follow Him in love and humility, as 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 137 

in patient endurance, v/e can find rest in His pres- 
ence, bearing our cross with comfort and joy. 

One moment in Christ's presence 
Brings more joy than all earthly life. 
One moment receiving the blessings, 
Brings comfort in the cross of Christ. 

One moment, as Christ our Guide 
Makes smooth our pathway, 
One moment Christ to hear. 
Takes away all earthly fear. 

One moment in silent prayer 
Reveals to us Christ is near. 
One moment of solemn praise. 
This moment will Christ well please. 

One moment in submissive trust, 
We find that Christ is ever just. 
One moment with an upward look 
Brings a longing for spiritual food. 

One moment, grown into life. 
One moment bears the cross. 
One moment sings in delight. 
If called to see earthly loss. 
October 2nd, 1904. 

We must love to learn of Him, and love His 
life, long that ours be like His was on earth, 



138 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

humble, meek, lowly, forgiving in all things, lov- 
ing our neighbor as our self, not only because he 
may perchance be a wealthy one, but love the one 
poor in earthly goods, above the other, because he 
is the soonest discouraged with life here, and 
many times a life like this, lacking friends to love 
and help, has been ushered hastily into the life 
that continues to live. Whether the fruit is hap- 
piness, torment, or to perish, will be the result of 
the life in body. Each will be received as it is 
made. We can live either of these while on earth, 
and if in torment because of evil doing, because 
of the sorrow of commission or omission of that 
which became sin, we repent, and are forgiven, 
there may be a tormient here as there both in the 
rebellious and penitent spirits. In the latter the 
torment is unto penance. This brings penitence 
unto forgiveness. These are Christ's promises. 
He demonstrated this when at the very gates of 
Paradise as it seemed. He forgave the thief who 
repented. Torment unto penitence is a line 
thrown to sinners that they may be saved from 
the second death, that the more may be gathered 
into Christ's Kingdom. 

Repent, be no more thoughtless or vain. Find 
your happiness. Cast away all rebelliousness, 
avoiding torment forever. Accept Christ's teach- 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 139 

ings, away from the world that perishes, look for 
and accept the light. You will see that he who 
has torment unto forgiveness because of truly re- 
penting on earth, cleanses and purifies the man- 
sion (character). Arrayed thus in the robe of 
forgiveness, he finds the happiness of life eternal 
is in Christ's presence. 

Thus we should be cautious about our treat- 
ment of any of those about us. For it does not 
only bear a mark upon those whom; we may mis- 
treat, but also scars our life, (character, soul). 
Christ purchased us all alike. Then we should 
consider every one as His children. If not so in 
conduct, etc., we should then use the oppor- 
tunity of impressing those, who may be in error, 
that Christ is still living upon earth, as in kind- 
ness, and long suffering. This may inspire a love 
and longing into the soul in darkness to know 
the Light, to fill his mansion with beauty. 

Who, and how many, will choose to be 
known as His children in this way, the humble, 
meek and loving resignation in Christ's guidance, 
following in His footsteps, that others may fol- 
low too? 

In what way can and do we feel nearer to 
Christ? Why should we not feel the presence of 



140 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

our dear friends who left their earthly body for 
one eternally theirs, just as we do Christ's pres- 
ence? Can we know they are near? in what 
way? If we do not, what is the reason? Who 
is at fault? Was it not God's plan to teach the 
children of earth the ways and blessings of spirit- 
ual life, when He sent His Spirit (as His begot- 
ten Son) for our first and great teacher? 

It is not God's will that the future life should 
all be a mystery; nor that we should be strangers 
to eternal life. If in ignorance, it is our fault, 
because of our not desiring to submit ourselves 
fully into Christ's pleasure. And if not strangers 
to life eternal, and of what brings us that bless- 
ing, then why should we be strangers or so far 
separated from those, who have gained that Life 
Eternal which is Eternal Life of Spirit and God's 
promise of a resurrected body? 

When we devote a little time to thought of, 
and study God's wonderful creations. His loving 
manifestations, the demonstrations of His Spirit 
to our spirits, the promises which we are sure 
of, then how can we doubt the continued life of 
Spirit unto spiritual intellect, which lives within 
all, and as it is cultivated will continue to grow 
into eternity? As we live here on earth while in 
body, determines how near we feel to those who 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. I4I 

have gone in spirit, and live as the immortal body, 
living in power of love for and in Christ, the spir- 
itual power through all in all, and for all who 
desire to know the spirit. Christ, the King of the 
Spirits on earth and in Heaven, if His subjects 
we are on earth. 

We are subjects to His subjects in Heaven. 
Then why shoud we be shut off from communi- 
cations with them, when Christ as King to all, 
whether infant, junior, or senior scholar? Alike 
are we spiritually under His administration. If 
live to learn of and please Him, we are His sub- 
jects; the heavenly subjects are His ministering 
spirits, (co-workers), unto us of the earth, be it 
unto us by impressions or thoughts, which are 
but words given unto us, and such can be from 
good or evil, determined by the love within. 

We are nothing as self; we are creations sub- 
ject to good or evil. We have the opportunity 
of knowing right from wrong, and as we subject 
ourselves, thus is our life such, as the influences 
about us. And all influences seen, are born from 
and through subjective unseen, but only as we see 
by faith. 

Let me briefly illustrate the communications 
and portray the communicants, as drawing a great 



142 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

inferior comparison to the Heavenly by the earth- 

For instance, the chief executive of any na- 
tion or office has his associate subjects; and yet 
his interests are advanced to the people through 
those who are directly under his directions. And 
those who are subjective to, and keep in the 
knowledge of, what is doing, they will the more 
derive an observant benefit, than they who simply 
vote (what they think is for right) and all things 
of interest then vanishing, until the time comes 
again for a little more attention, (yet only for a 
repetition of the former, vote for what is right) ; 
if none would pay more atentive interest than 
this to the administration, as its results and beni- 
fits for all, what use for it, or, what progress as a 
people, and what worth would government be to 
any life of earth, or any parts of it? 

Yet — just so have many cast their vote for 
Christ, with their name upon a church record, and 
after that follow with life of earth quietly, or per- 
haps, gaily, getting no further into the interests 
and benefits of spiritual life, than if they had never 
seen a church, except when those, of greater con- 
cern, and love for the souls of man; and who re- 
ceive miore observant blessings of spiritual knowl- 
edge; because of their direct interest in Christ's 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. I43 

interest, arouse them from their lethargy. The 
enthusiast lives in all life. As in politics, so in 
religion. And as the political promoters rouse up 
the sleeping enthusiast to the time of campaign 
and vote, so will the religious promotor for 
Christ's work rouse up the enthusiast, who rests 
quietly, except for the few weeks of demonstra- 
tive efforts of interest. Yet unlike are all these 
to Christ's direct subjects, (ministering spirits), 
who are always in interest and harmony with a 
labor which will better touch the soul of man, and 
thereby bring more and more unto Christ, until 
Christ is ruler of all; when all earth's life will be 
goverened as Christ would. 

It is even so with the chief executive; 
through his direct and indirect but interested sub- 
jects, to the people of either political party, en- 
deavoring to separately gain control of the full 
and complete administration, by or through their 
labors; to be governed as each think best, and 
good it would always be if the earthly would ex- 
emplify the heavenly. 

Many have lived and endeavored to follow 
Christ's life as rulers on earth, and thus por- 
trayed the only way to live as an executive. See- 
ing in the illustration the similarity of spritual to 
material, or earthly to Heavenly, and knowing that 



Iz|4 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

the direct subjects of either are close communi- 
cants to their Chief. 

The earth Hfe we may all be better able to 
understand. We know that any one can commun- 
icate indirectly and yet directly with our chief 
executive, be it king, president, governor, etc., 
and his subjects, if upon an important matter, 
whether touching the interests of himself, his 
subjects, or welfare of nation, as a people, or a 
body of them. 

Then why not more? Can and will we re- 
ceive a hearing from our greatest Chief, Christ 
our King? And His subjects, when we desire to 
communicate, because of love for knowledge, and 
wisdom from Christ? And as being subjective to 
His subjects; because of the love for Him, He 
knowing the importance connected with, and ben- 
ifits derived from, this desire of living in com- 
municative nearness to all. 

Then Christ will, before any earthly chief 
grant us communications with Him and His, and 
a demonstrative answer to our plea : be it one gift, 
more or various. 

Our business with Christ is certainly to know 
His ways and will; to learn and gain the wisdom 
and strength, that will better the condition of 
spiritual affairs on earth. And life in body, pre- 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 145 

paratory unto the Life Eternal, this is eternal joy, 
a joy, which we experience on earth, in its youth; 
and thus mature; if we have sought for and ac- 
quired the spiritual knowledge, wisdom and 
understanding — as Christ deigns to bless us with. 

Christ said unto His disciples, after His res- 
urrection and before His ascension : 

I will be with you always; even unto the end. 

We are His disciples if we choose to be, and 
His promise is more than many earthly king's etc., 
would guarantee, and perhaps would not, if they 
could. 

No matter what you do for the most of 
chief officers or their interests, self is first for all 
beneficial returns, (and power would also be lack- 
ing if they desired to be with us alway). 

But can you even imagine the privileges an 
earthly candidate would give you, if you were to 
cast a vote upon each day for him, which would 
insure a continual reign amongst and above us? 
''Superior to all subjects,'' he would then un- 
selfishly bestow such benefits, as in his power, ac- 
cording to the desires of his people. 

We will now look upon the other side. Let 
us search deep and learn to see the loving privi- 
leges Christ is ready to bestow upon us, even in 
our sins, if willing to cast votes each day for 

10 



146 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

Him. Thus permitting Him to reign in our hearts, 
(spirits) He will show unto us what eye hath not 
seen, grant us to hear what ear hath not heard; 
the glories of a truthful, loving, spiritual life. We 
can vote in and through the various avenues in 
our earthly life. As a loving look and smile, by 
word or deed, with a humble, forgiving and sub- 
missive heart and hand, and too numerous are 
others to mention, by which we can easily cast 
one if not more 'Votes'' a day for Christ, keeping 
Him Chieftain amongst and above the chief. 

And the blessings are upon us; for Christ 
bought us, we do not buy Christ, but we must 
enter into the avenues of opportunities, for priv- 
ileges, where Christ holds ajar the spiritual gate, 
oh! so lovingly, so perceptably to all, who wish its 
knowedge, wisdom and understanding, which 
brings us citizens to His Holy Kingdom. Not 
foreigners nor strangers, shall we be tO: His house- 
hold, and administration, but co-citizens, and co- 
workers; subjects unto His subjects, and thus 
unto Him, learning and teaching His precepts 
here on earth, and assured are we of a continual 
communication with those who are sent forth to 
us who are heirs of Salvation. The blessings 
of one form, or another. 

Just as Christ, who knows us best, will give 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 14/ 

unto each that which we can best understand, 
but all gifts can be recognized by those who 
truly thirst, and drink of the water of Life, Wil- 
ling to be subject to Christ, which means, to sub- 
ject ourselves — to His pleasure; this will unite 
subject to subject; because of Christ's Spirit." 

Perhaps you will be at a loss, as to know how 
you may know yourself subjective to Christ's sub- 
jects. (Christ has Heavenly subjects, and earthly 
subjects, all subjective as from lower to higher; 
thus all to Christ.) 

But follow no man's ideas, nor imitate his 
ways, hoping to receive and know the blessings of 
Spirit to your spirit. 

Seek for that which may be uppermost 
(spiritually) in your heart, and remember, Christ 
says. Ask ye anything in my name, that will 
I do. Is this not plain enough? Ask, and believe, 
for that which you want and need most. Christ 
will bless you with. 

Spiritual gifts are given, to some one, and 
others many, and as they vary, two or more may 
be blessed with the same gifts (privileges), but 
having them administered differently, do not at 
once recognize them as alike, yet from the same 
Spirit, from the Holy Spirit to the spirits living 
in the body. You have dear ones passed beyond 



148 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

from this earthly incumbrance to a spiritual heav- 
enly freedom. You long to know of, and be near 
them. Even while you yet dwell in the confines 
of the earthly, you likewise long to peer beyond. 
You can not get there to see, but they can come 
again unto you and impress you. ''Eye can not 
see", but faith will reveal that which thou wouldst 
read, if Christ's instructions wilt heed. Get into 
close communion with Christ. Only tlTrough Him 
can you gain entrance to the unseen joy open to 
all who believe and beseech, who trust and obey. 
Earth can not picture the joys the Lord hath pre- 
pared for them who love, and believe on Him. 

It does not mean, the joy is for us after the 
separation of spirit from earth-body. It is for 
all who believe on Him. The believing must be 
while on earth. And when believng, and trusting, 
we see that that joy is ours. We must be ready 
for the joy by doing His will. In what way? 
This, we must follow Him and believe; that will 
be our joy. We must ask Christ for that which 
will bring us great and everlasting joy — seeing 
Jnim. Christ will not force anything upon us, 
but He is ready to bless, when we are ready to ask 
for and accept it. Christ knows, what would be 
joy to each spiritual life on earth, and blesses us 
according to our desires and our faith, as submis- 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 149 

sive trust. We can not always accept all things 
alike, even not in this material world, and we are 
spiritually different, as we are physically different, 
and yet can we all, because of God's will and 
power, enjoy His wonderful blessings. Our lives, 
in ideas, in growth of natural or spiritual intellect 
differ. We are born differenty, at different times, 
under dift'/erent circumstances, different environ- 
ments for spirit and body; different in all the far 
unseen, as God knows us before all time. 

But always the same great love and power is 
manifested and all can be filled with the Holy 
Spirit; filled with spiritual gifts, and while alike, 
yet so unlike, but the same Great Spirit in all. 

We must watch, that we do not ask for that 
which may be towards worldly and selfish gain. 
With our faith firmly set upon the Rock of ever- 
lasting truth, the love for Christ will be our 
strength. When Christ cam^e upon earth. He 
brought with Him the life of enduring love. This 
life alone will bring everlasting joy. The love 
that endureth, also overcometh. This will make 
us one of Christ's house-hold. They who live, 
redeemed from this earthly life, endured and over- 
came. Thus, to do the same we are one of and 
with them in spirit. 

Christ said, I am the vine, ye are the branch- 



150 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

es, and, if we bear not fruit, we are cut ofif. But 
it we bear, we continue to gain strength from the 
vine, and bear more. (Spiritual blessings we re- 
ceive, and give again.) 

Again, Christ says, I am the body, ye the 
members thereof. Then, if Christ proclaims us, 
who are His on earth, with those in Heaven, as 
His branches. His members, why are we not in a 
spiritual force, or in communication with each oth- 
er? If members of one body. And as the members 
of a body are vital communicants to each other, 
''through the body'', then more shall the mem- 
bers of Christ's body be as spiritual communicants 
unto each other through Christ. 

There is a fountain filled with blessings, 
Bubbling within thy heart, 
Rising up and thee caressing, 
Springing forth, thy lips to part. 

Fount of blessing, Christ our Savior, 
Loves to see thee heed His call. 
Buckle on the plate of armor, 
March, watch that ye do not fall. 

The bugler calls thee to the front, 
Make haste, that ye catch those who run. 
Thy work not o'er till thou hast done 
The labor the Lord assigned for one. 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. I5I 

O joyous day, that seals thy fate, 
With a pass to enter in. 
Thy Lord thou wilt see, 
And that will be thy song of praise. 

November 27th, 1904. 

Spiritual life is also a natural life. For with- 
out the spirit, nature could not be recognized in 
the truth, nor defined to its greatness. The life 
in spirit, or nature in spirit, and spirit in nature, 
is Hfe, for God is in both, and we are thus one of 
the household in spirit life. And while lips do not 
always speak, hearts can understand hearts, or 
spiritual can understand spirit. Present with the 
present, though gone from nature, from the earth- 
ly, while gone as one body, ever near as another. 
They speak to you as to me. It is only for you to 
heed, and then you will hear such, that will bring 
you cheer. Live to live; as living unto Christ. 
While in body upon earth, you can be likened spir- 
itual unto all that is spiritual. Grasp hold of all 
you can, which will bring more light upon the 
mysterious. 

Life eternal is a fullness of knowledge and 
wisdom' of spiritual life, (knowing and seeing 
Christ . Some may not recognize this Hfe upon 
earth, and yet know the joys and sweet content 
derived therefrom. 



152 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

In John 14 and 12th verse it is said: 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believ- 
eth on me, the works that I do, he shall do also; 
and greater works, for I go unto my Father. 

This is a wonderful and loving promise, 
Christ knew the frailty of spirit in humanity, if 
torn from the loving and loved. Thus He left the 
promise, that we may work as He worked. Spir- 
itually, He would be greater and more individual 
in power with us, after His death on the cross. 
We may work as He did, and greater works, 
(more) because He as the accepted, works with 
us. Nothing can we do of ourselves. 

This then, is life, for to live separated from 
Christ and those above us in life, would be no 
iiie. The spiritual and subjective can readily 
know that life of one body is as nought, but the 
life full of life, all about, is what makes life to 
each individual, if only learn and profit by the 
blessings. Study to know thy-self and take hold 
of the everlasting gifts of spirit, while yet on 
earth, which are ready for you. We see all about 
us, the deep thought and interest taking hold of 
God's children on earth, making a beginning of 
the great eternal. Souls without numbers rise to 
glorify Christ's name and worship but one God, 
forsaking worldly gains, and pleasures, losing the 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 153 

love and ambitions for such. They, as if one 
family, submit to Christ's teachings and guidance. 
The dawn of the eternal day is nigh. Whom will 
it find asleep (spiritually blind) ? the bridegroom 
comes, make ready; be ye arrayed, awaiting, with 
lamps filled, trimmed, and burning. 

The soul (spirit) filled with Christ's spirit, 
doing as pleases Him, as He would do, telling the 
good old story, which is ever new, not, hiding the 
light you possess, beneath the cloak of timidity, 
for that will be cowardly. Ashamed of proclaim- 
ing ? Oh, not that ! but tell others that others may 
tell you. Let your light shine, as the light that 
wipes out all darkness. Lift up your heads, heark- 
en with open ears. Look with brightened and 
single eye, and you may then see, and understand, 
that the day hasteth, when the Lord will come as 
a thief of the night, (because of the darkness in 
soul) to gather together all, who are ready. Let 
not your heart be vain and say, a little more 
pleasure, a little more wealth, and fame. I'm 
young yet, I must accomplish more. Yes, accomp- 
Hsh more. Let it be in spirit, a fruit bearing 
wealth ; the fame of being Christ's co-worker and 
a lover of pleasures of spirit; for God is not 
mocked. Lie finds us any and every place. 

Let us not procrastinate longer. Time is 



154 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

short, even though you are young. A life is de- 
pendent upon your resolutions and your foregoing 
actions. Your heart filled with pure, loving 
thoughts; Christ is even now waiting that He 
may manifest to you, that you may not say, your 
life is not a living being, one that may be as one 
with Christ's redeemed souls, feeding upon the 
everlasting products of Spiritual Life, which is, to 
hear, see and feel. You will see, when you give up 
your worldly pleasures for that, which you can 
learn by reading and hearing the preciourpromises. 
Christ is here to ever renew unto all who will be- 
lieve, and will fulfill them. Even more, than the 
comprehension can grasp hold of. Christ brought 
life to live forever, like love. God is love. Christ, 
God's Son, the Spirit of love. Then to love Christ 
and live to please Him, you love your neighbor 
like yourself; and if this love lives in your heart, 
you see God, yes, Christ. You are then a spirit 
of love : you are one in Christ. Your love lives to 
see all that is love. Hence you find wondrous rev- 
elations in the word love. You are living with all 
who live in love. You are then not separated in 
spirit from' any one of those whom love redeemed. 
This power and recognition exists according to 
the strength of pure love in our hearts, (for our 
loved ones and fellow beings.) 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 155 

Thus you live as one in the everlasting house 
hold; it is love, that buildeth the Ark of Safety. 
It was love, that brought your loved ones from 
the life that gave no recompense. Love gave a 
home of rest. Rest means, labor for love's sake; 
love brings peace, joy, and life to see, where there 
is work to do for Jesus. Love is Light. The re- 
deemed live like light, as you accept light, thus 
light lives with light, in the hearts of all who be- 
lieve. Then can you not see life lives in life? Love 
is life, life is love. You may see the life of those 
you have given to the Lord (like saying good-bye 
in earth life) if you give up your life of earthly 
pleasures, and think not too much of what you 
may gain by labor of head or hands, for the earth- 
ly gratifications. You are like the moth, you do 
not like to see the light, because you see too many 
things, that take away your pleasure of earth. 
•But you do not know what pleasure is, until you 
find the Hfe that lives in Christ's pleasure, and 
thus in His presence. 

You can not believe, when you hear one of 
the ministering spirits talking to you, because you 
hear so much which says "don't," don't do, don't 
say, don't look that way, don't buy (to satisfy 
pride etc.), and many more don'ts in a life on 
earth, when accepting light. But if not loving the 



156 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

light, you try to dismiss the don'ts, and, while not 
always at ease, you still hear a voice talk. Then 
you think you are foolish for listening to that> 
which you call conscience. But you do not know 
your dear ones are anxious to see your soul devel- 
op, that it may find the joy of Heaven, lives as in 
body, because the spirit is the souFs body. As 
you live, you build a body for the spirit; you can 
see your life either grow, or waste, on earth. ( This 
means the life of soul.) You may see it perish 
as having no body toi live in. You can not get a 
body for your soul, if you do not live to bring life 
to the spirit. Your spirit brings life for the soul, 
like living in development, because you then live 
to love Christ, and all things born of love. 

It is love that lives to develop life, life lives to 
bring light to the believer to see, that love lives to 
do many things. Light brings your spirit to see 
loved ones living like Christ lives. You are not 
conscious of life, until you are willing to give up 
all that is enemy to spirit life, like selfishness, van- 
ity, wrath, envy and many more. When you nail 
these, and — or others, upon the cross, by overcom- 
ing them, you live as Christ did. For He, too, was 
tempted to accept the pleasures and ambitions of 
a worldly life. But He knew that God, His Father 
did not send Him to earth to live for earth's self. 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 157 

He gave Himself to labor for God. He was the 
Light God sent. He did manifest that Light, by 
.His actions, like His words. He lived a pure and 
simple life. Mo care had He for the morrow. He 
taught the disciples not to take raiment, or money, 
but to go forth to preach and trust in God for 
their needs. Christ does not want us to live for 
the development of an earthly inheritance; to 
spend our strength of mind and spirit to make and 
swell a bank account. He wants us to live with- 
out fretting or worrying about earthly affairs, to 
live in love and trust, of God's power and willing- 
ness to provide for us without worry; to accept 
misfortune as for the best, and if overcome the 
world we will all learn to know and see the life 
that lives forever, and see the joys of Heaven, be- 
cause of being filled with the Holy Spirit. (This 
is Christ's Spirit.) You will know God is a Re- 
warder of all that is good. When you see His 
messengers come to open the Book of Life, to can- 
cel your name, or retain it thereon. When your 
name is called, how and where will it be? 

Where would you wish to be for the end of 
this earth's life. 



IS8 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

WHEN CHRIST CALLS ROLL. 

iWhen Christ calls thy name, my friend, 
Where wouldst thou wish to be for the end? 
Couldst thou face thy Judge at banquet hall. 
Or testify to Him, if given to law? 
When thou dost grant the decree for two; 
While joined as one, by God, not by you. 

Wouldst thou brave the wrath of God, 
By giving the last moments to worldly thoughts? 
Would you desire to go forth from theaters door 
Or leave thy body lie on grog-shop floor? 
Thou dost not even wish to die alone; 
Yet better than to die in satan's hold. 

Wjouldst thou wish Christ to call. 
When thou art rolling the ball 
Or chasing after him who thy count took? 
Christ sees thee with thy hands full; 
Cards spell not redemption to thy soul; 
Marks of black and red in evil enfold. 

'Tis well, if thou wilt pleasures seek. 
Amidst Chrisfs blessings, which will forever live. 
And not choose thy life to close 
Where Christ's companionship you do not feel; 
And well it be, for time is short. 
Life here is the beginning of the beyond. 

The beyond thou receivest as ye begin, 
For each beginning will have its own continuance. 
Then live to please not only thyself; 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 159 

Christ first, and thy neighbor well, 

If this thou heed, Christ thou wilt meet 

Upon the threshold of eternal destiny. 

To you, who have been thoughtless, indifferent, 
Stop ere you enter, and inquire the name, [or vain. 
If Christ is not host, flee with your life, 
Or life will be lost, "the souls reward'*, 
But stop while you may and hasten thy speed 
To the rock of refuge; from sin then freed. 

Do not venture on as thou knowest not when 
The clock strikes one, and thy body dead. 
Two thou art, thy soul now goes 
To reap the harvest as ye sowed. 
Let it not be death to death below. 
But life to life, in Christ's home. 

January nth, 1904. 

This is joy, that not all are indififerent, who 
appear to be, (as we see). Christ said, by their 
fruits ye shall know them. This fruit is not al- 
ways shown forth in its truth upon the surface, to 
be recognized by the carnal eye; the spiritual can 
know the spiritual, but * no one knows another. 
The spirit life of each is the proof of self. Like the 
corn as it is planted corn, it yields corn; the fruit 
is corn. But that which has grown from the seed, 
is a body, nothing like that which died. But the 
fruit of this body is like unto the seed that was 



l6o LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

planted. Thus we plant the spiritual seed 
(Christ's spirit accepted by our spirit) within the 
body, there to develop (grow) a body. And the 
fruit, because of planting good seed, is like unto 
the seed. It was sown as love and kindness, and 
thus as love and kindness, it yieldeth the good 
fruit. The sowing may go on from one to anoth- 
er, and a fruit bearing harvest be the result. Even 
then many may not know another as being one 
who sows to the spirit, the spiritual alone, can see 
and know the spiritual work, and profits. 

While we may endeavor to so live in spirit, 
because of love for Christ, and love only that life, 
yet in the weakness of flesh, we may, in an absence 
from spirit, do that, which appears as evil, but un- 
known in the loving heart. 

Not outside can we always see 
That which the Lord receives. 
The heart, confined in mortal clay, 
Casts not forth all good incased 
In that small yet powerful frame. 

To judge all things as we behold, 
What would then be our spiritual soul? 
Nay, Christ looks far beneath the sterner mould, 
To judge great and small, young and old. 
Alike He finds a lamb for His fold. 

December 6th, 1904. 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. l6l 

Romans 7th chapter, 14th to 25th verse. Paul's 
references (of sins done in body, even though his 
desire to be righteous) explains, that it was his 
carnal self that done evil, not the spiritual (his 
life which he loved) if he had always done, as he 
loved, there would have been no evil. Then it 
was not he who committed wrong, but evil that 
lived in flesh. 

Judge ye no man, that ye yourselves may not 
be judged. 

What a wonderful lesson in these powerful 
words, for we can see but the action for a moment 
betimes, not knowing or understanding the mo- 
tives and love within, while an appearing unkind 
act may have been unintentional. For what at 
first lived within in love and had budded into a 
pure unselfish motive, yet when before the world, 
with world's eye full of carnal judgment (as the 
life), it looked like an unkind and deliberately 
selfish act. Dear friends, we can not see others, 
as we should see ourselves. Christ and our God 
see and know what our hearts yearn for and ap- 
prove of. And what our desires are at great or 
small chances for doing right. 

Thus as Paul, many times do we that which 
we would not. We love good, yet do evil. 
11 



l62 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

It is not always that which we do, but that 
which we love, builds our character. If we love 
only good, we will never be lost, for love conquers 
in everything, as any thing, but we must watch 
where our love resteth. 

While forgetful and not in spiritual self, but 
present to the world, we ofttimes do that which 
we hate, and perhaps do an injustice to our fel- 
low beings materially, and spiritually to our- 
selves. But careful we m^ust be, that v/e offend 
not the spiritual life of our neighbors, but remove 
the mote from our own eye, watching for God's 
beautiful light to keep us right. Then, with 
Curist in sight, our spirit grows in might, and less 
will we stumble at our neighbor's faults. We will 
not see them, but will grow in grace that we see 
and know the fruit as Christ does. Let us learn 
to permit our conclusions bear fruits of full and 
loving justice, accept all things as they really are. 
Never should we speak at imipulse of our impres- 
sions unless righteous, or reproving what we know 
to be a deliberate sin. Then in patience and love 
we may speak, to heap coals of fire upon the head, 
and thereby change the plans of evil. 

We should study the spiritual side of every 
life, and living to study, we live to learn that God 
answers prayer which is made in faith. If Christ 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. I63 

reigns in our hearts, we may be sure of learning 
all that is good, which will cause us to grow spirit- 
ually. Thus our love and trust increases for 
Christ, and the longing desire to learn of and from 
Him will be gratified, for did He not say we 
should learn of Him? and promised to give unto 
all faithful believers the Holy Spirit. This brings 
us into close communion to Him. It is this we see 
surely growing in strength and spreading a vast 
expanse. The children of this world are fast for- 
getting the world as it once seemed to them. They 
fina joy in the new Kingdom, where Christ reigns 
and is now as ready to teach the wonderful lessons 
of life eternal, of God's household, as He was 
while on earth, to the willing* ears and submissive 
hearts. It was then joyful news, and the same 
today. 

Like Mary, who forgot earthly cares and do- 
mestic life while in His presence, drinking of the 
water of life. While absent from our body, pres- 
ent with our Lord, (in our spiritual condition), we 
forget all things about us and find sweet peace, 
a joy which will live forever. Christ teaches per- 
sonally in spirit, the privileges He awards to His 
own. "Own" means, all who love and believe, 
together with those called, from the mortal re- 
deemed. Love wields the power of communion 



164 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

from our dear ones gone from earth, unto us their 
subjects. They are our ''ministering spirits." 
Love is eternal life. As we love so we live, and 
according to that love will our happiness be. 

Faith is born from love, with love and 
faith we are as one in Christ. Then we 
see how and when our loved ones lead us, and 
hear their teachings because of Christ. Just as 
we endeavor to lead and teach the weak and faint, 
because of Christ within us. There are various 
ways Christ speaks to us. So are there many 
ways He grants our loved ones to speak. Those 
services (for Christ and for our salvation) are the 
fields of green pasture, in and out. They are not 
imprisoned, but free, not weak, but in power of 
spirit. Let us sing 

More love to Thee — Oh Christ, 
More love to Thee. 

Sheltered beneath Thy wondrous wing, 
Freed from the devil's unwearied cling. 
Then love will let us sing, 
And hear, to see. By faith we'll feel 
Those dear ones ready to reveal 
Life within our life; as they live 
Immortal unto mortal, our hearts to win. 
From doubts and fears, our souls to cheer, 
Because we know, they are near. 
November 8th, 1905. 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 165 

Oh, for the power to remember well 
All that is to me told, 
That I may unto others tell 
And pages of "Life" unfold. 

The Lord is Light, 
And all that manifests is light. 
Thus what we receive comes from above. 
From God our Father, through Christ, His Son. 

Live to learn, Christ will teach, 
Be thy longings Him to reach; 
Mysteries vanish, Life thou'lt see 
Because thou see'st as thou feel. 

When speaking of communications, I mean as 
spirit to spirit, or, as you may better understand, 
your hearts desire wafted by ministering spirits 
to Christ, and thus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the 
ministering spirits, speak to you as I have learned 
they do to me. Communicated spiritually to us, 
we receive and understand them thus, and we may 
give them verbally and prayerfully, as we may 
live them, spiritually unto others. 

If you hear not nor understand spiritual com- 
munications, why is it? Because you have had 
them so long, without heeding what was said. Yet 
you know what was said, was Christ the Holy 
Spirit remonstrating with you, for what you have 



l66 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

or have not done, that you then heard voices in 
your heart, (the spiritual ear) as your mind, your 
soul. And if you do not hear, understand, or 
know of these voices, it must be your fault. Let 
me tell you why; because worldly thoughts, mis- 
placed love and actions will close us from the light, 
will deaden the sound of good. The voices may 
be heard spiritually and so learn the tone, thus giv- 
ing an eternal joy, if what hindrances which are 
permitted to exist in the worldly life are ignored, 
instead of the spiritual communicants. We never 
know ourselves, until we give up the love of world- 
ly pleasures. 

When earthly visions fade away, 
When comprehension is stayed — 
And the body as earth forgotten. 
So we dwell in a world without end, 
Rejoice that our Lord doth send 
Our loved ones to minister unto us, 
Which gives joy and peace, for love 
Lives forever; Christ to trust. 

My first experience in spiritual communica- 
tion, that I as such understood, was to me very 
plain, and after I heard, understood and saw the 
the proof of such, my earthly senses seemed to 
desert me. I then felt the distance between the 
earthly and spiritual, and realized that only the 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 167 

bridge of desire and love for the latter could take 
us there, I felt far beneath all that was good, yet 
a sense of being lifted to a new reality. I 
wish to relate to you this experience, in as similar 
simplicity, as it was given to me. The time was 
about two months after my sweet mother had left 
earth life, and not quite a year after dear father 
had left likewise. Both mourned for so greatly 
by us all. Yet again and again I found comfort in 
the words Christ spoke, recorded in the New 
Testament, and in the study of the life, which lives 
without a mortal body and beyond earthly vision. 

I one day was looking at and assorting some 
books, when saw writings of spiritual and loving 
expressions written by my mother, when with me 
on her last visit, (just three weeks prior to her 
departure to the eternal home) and which I had 
as yet, not seen. This awakened within me afresh 
the grief of my loss. Reading and weeping, I then 
knew my mother in loving and divine sympathy 
was with me and endeavoring to comfort me. I 
felt she was speaking, yet so foreign, so far from 
my comprehension, as if my own mind, (and years 
ago I myself would have pronounced such an im- 
magination). Not so now. My prayers were 
answered. I understood — with an understanding — 
foreign as it seemed then. My whole being knew 



l68 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

it; my sense felt it. I heard as seeing and then 
recognized. This is what proved to me the truth- 
fulness of ''Spirit life in spirit, ''Love as a power.'' 

My mother told me the writing I found and 
was crying over, was not all she had written when 
last with me. I (in my heart) wondered where 
I might find it. She said, oh, so sweetly and kind- 
ly, in Ida's album. Being my name, I thought to 
look in my autograph albums. But no writing 
there that I had not seen. Then, as if taking pos- 
session of my whole being, she said. Not that; 
Ida's other album. I looked into the second photo 
album, before I found. And oh, oh ! I found there 
two letters written by my dear mother during her 
last days with me. (Just three weeks prior to 
her departure from earth.) 

These letters were written to her children, 
telling us what to do, how to live, and the way 
to be comforted in Christ, at that time which, she 
said, is near. She therein referred to her spirit 
departure from earth body. Appealing to us to 
lean on the everlasting arms, Christ, our Comfor- 
ter; reminding us, that while here in body, she 
suffered much, and leaving it, she would be well. 
That we should be patient with our cross; as 
Christ was patient. This inspired the complete 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT. 169 

faith. How could it do otherwise? I knew, I felt 
my faith had but another wonderful link added, 
which God is willing through Christ, to add ac- 
cording to our trust and acceptance. 

I believe firmly in the promises of Christ. He 
holds not us aloof. It is we, who in worldliness 
hold Him aloof. And as we drop the interest in 
worldly life, we find the communicative joy and 
everlasting peace in the spiritual. I love to re- 
member His promises, I love my faith, which is 
strong within me; as are the loving and wonderful 
illustrative experiences Christ blessed me to accept 
in my faith. And thus the administered proof to 
me that life lives after separation from body, more 
complete and free, and lives to continue the part 
of the Master's work, that each life (as love) 
iDegan while on earth. But thus freed, become co- 
workers with Christ for salvation of souls, directly 
and indirectly, indirect, when ministering unto such 
liere on earth, who again ministers unto fellow- 
TQcn, yet Christ in all, some not receiving as others. 

Let us pray to grow stronger day by day, 
And that all may travel the same way, 
Heart to heart will sing the songs ; 
Spreading the news all along. 
Never wearied to submissive be, 
Love will conquer, love will lead. 



170 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

The lame will no more falter, the blind will see, 
Christ our brother opens the way. 
There we are reunited, there we stay. 
Where? I will tell you, in the spiritual garden, 
Be it now or then; we live united, 
Giving or receiving Christ's blessings of faithful 

delight. 
Why? Because darkness has given way to new 

isight. 

No more sighs at parting, 
No more fears of pain, 
When friends meet friends at the portal 
Of Christ's princely domain. 




HARVEST TIME. 

s ye sow, so shall ye also reap : let us, 
as individuals, examine well the scales 
upon which our life is weighed. 
There are two sides to this wonderful de- 
cision, and as we look upon both, we can 
see how^ we have sown, whether for good, or 
evil. Now the weight soon attracts our attention; 
and especially so, if in this material life it is finan- 
cial success. 

So also can we clearly see, if desire and look 
well, w^hat it is, that weighs the heaviest, whether 
good, or evil done, sown, we'll say in this body. 
We sow^ and as we sow, it is to the left, or right, or 
both. 

Thus the scales will give us an idea what our 
harvest will be, but, even at that, if we are not in 
the light, we may give ourselves false hopes, or 
again, we may not credit ourselves with as much 
weight in good, as Christ does. For He sees us, 
knows us, as none knows, not even ourselves. He 
is merciful and is ever proving to us, now, that He 
gives us abundant measures for our scant sowing; 
more than we can ever realize. ''Sow", ''reap,'' 

m 



172 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

two words SO closely related, yet so different in 
sound and reality. Never is one of these alone, 
for to reap, we must sow, be it for what it may. 
If the former (sowing) was a possibility of itself, 
then there would be no fear of what the harvest 
would be. Contentedly we would expect the best; 
it would be to our satisfaction. But the reap (as 
reaper) brings us face to face to an existence of 
the importance in the products here and hereafter, 
in plainer words, as we live, so we'll receive and 
continue as the love gives life. Sowing and reap- 
ing (as we mete it shall be meted unto us) we gar- 
ner harvest while yet on earth, for the living qual- 
ities for life eternal, as an everlasting existence 
or the miseries of a soul, in darkness. 

If our love is surrounded by a worldly life, it 
is plain that Christ is not with us. And in the 
continuous struggle for and love of worldly pleas- 
ures, gain and fame, we must loose sight of a 
spiritual or divine life and joy, and if in this con- 
dition (without repentance) should be ushered into 
the presence of a loving yet just Judge, what will 
the harvest be? Perhaps a torment. 

Yet we may have enjoyed a part of the sow- 
ing, because of uninterrupted pleasures and 
wealth. But the reaping alters this, for the sowing 
was to the mortal body. And as the spirit finds 



HARVEST TIME. 1 73. 

not the earth's pleasures everlasting, must now 
see his life which looks differently. Yet he es- 
capes not, that which is according to his sowing,, 
he must drink the cup he filled. Not to 
at once live in Christ's presence then, after 
earth life, is certainly torment, and a life 
of penance, filled with the avv^akened mis- 
eries from the fleshly life, born because of in- 
dolence, thoughtlessness, etc., (causes of commis- 
sion and omission of that which became sin.) 
When in torment, it is because of the soul awak- 
ened — here or there, (where the soul finds self as 
result of spirit sowing), he loved good, yet in 
weakness done evil, he believed in Christ, hoped 
for and believed in redemption, but in tardiness, 
he sudenly finds himself before the life he lived, 
and because of it, he cries out in anguish, he suf- 
fers, he pleads, he repents. — Can we say not for- 
given? True repentance finds forgiveness. It is 
so unto us even now, when we in weakness permit 
a cloud to obscure that light, we are tormented 
until we have overcome the difliculty and feel for- 
given. But the life which is not wrapped up in 
the world loving and strenuous existence, and 
more time for thought, acts, words, and looks for 
that which lives forever, bringing forth rich fruit , 
now, and after. That life lives to garner a harv- 



174 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

est of life eternal, which is seeing Christ, enjoying 
most wonderful and richest privileges of the eter- 
nal life, even while yet on earth, the life everlast- 
ing. 

He who lives a life like this, has not lived unto 
himself, but was ready to bring cheer and com- 
forts in help of various ways, whether spiritual or 
material; forgetting his flesh he lived in spirit. 
And thus guided by the inspirations of the Holy 
Spirit, he will not only bring his own life to shine 
in the paradise of God, but drawing others there 
too. While here or there, his life in influence lives, 
because of Christ living in him. Here we see 
eternal life as a continuous influence for good. 
And long after this, and again after others, there 
will be just such rising up following on, because 
of what they either saw, heard, read, or felt in 
such influence. But let us look back, way back, 
when and where this eternal life began, this for- 
getting self, this humble, loving and forgiving 
spirit, beginning and end. 

I am the Alpha and Omega. 

Ah, Christ it was, who set the first example 
and for all time eternally will draw man after 
Him. We can not see or tell, how few, or how 
many resist His magnetism. Yet we can each look 



HARVEST TIME. 175 

within our own hearts, understand our own loves 
and motives; decide upon our conditions, by set- 
ting to the right that which is right, to the left, 
all which is wrong. The products of each may 
be many or few, and then as to the fruit we can 
know the tree. According to the weight, upon the 
right or wrong, we may see our harvest. We 
see a picture outlined in part for the entrance of 
good and of everlasting joy. We can count one 
in the unselfish alms-giving, when opportunity, and 
according to that which we have received from 
God. This means not just money, but influence, 
abilities and strength for the betterm.ent of life In 
both the spiritual and material. Controversy against 
evil; benevolence in all things of and for the right; 
humble acknowledgments of brotherly relationship 
to the poorest and most obscure individuals; for 
there we may find the richest in spirit. Thus to- 
gether with the love, kindness, forgiveness and 
endurance, the harvest has ripened into the golden 
grain of eternal life as life eternal. 

There is yet another, we will call him the in- 
different. While a believer, he may rest easy in 
this condition spiritually, as we so often observe 
them in material life. This is he who gains no 
spirit nourishment, listlessly dropping a seed here 
and there, not knowing when or where, thinking 



176 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

not of a harvest. Might it be ignorance? Oh, no. 
Better called slothful, for ignorance can not con- 
trol except where the light never shines, and the 
purely indifferent sees at times both sides, just as 
he sees success and poverty if his will. 

But if carelessly accepted, in neither 
then is there progress, or success for him. The 
look of life is often deceitful, but none need walk 
blindfolded, none need stray into shadows. Yet 
this appears like an indifferent condition, let us 
follow after it, may we intercept it? 

It is being ushered in, in that state into the 
presence of the One who will reward. Where does 
he now find himself? Possibly well content that 
he had enough to save him, and who can say, per- 
haps will cling to this not knowing of 
a happier state. Can he grow spiritually intelli- 
gent in the Master's school? Will he enjoy eternal 
life as life eternal? Not until he sees himself, as 
he is and strives for a higher life. 

Oh, better that we love and strive for, and 
rest not until we succeed in finding the joys of the 
spiritual life, Christ-life, while yet on earth. 

Chase not away the darting throes, 
Nor look beyond your life enfold 
In pleasures vain, and peace so false, 



HARVEST TIME. I77 

You can not avoid, torment will come, 
Be it here or there, your life must sum 
Your accounts of deeds done or undone. 

Brave not the storms — your heart is full, 
Close not in — nor yet outward pull. 
Look at thyself when light is upon 
See all which you must abstain from — 
You will then — times in torment groan — 
Yet too, wilt thou peace then know. 

Torment from an evil start — 
Peace for the penitent heart. 
Joy to the forgiven soul. 
Rest is the inherited goal. 
Liberty fadeth not awav 
Intelligence and power adds to it day by day. 

June 14th, 1906. 

Then, when called to sum up our accounts 
with our Lord, as upon record, we will not need to 
fear appearing before Him, but can enjoy the 
more and grow greater in that new and beautiful 
life, henceforth forever learning, and rejoicing, 
and ministering where and when the Lord directs, 
for the spiritual welfare of all beings. But he who 
has not the true life, and yet not the indifferent^ 
or forgetful life, then he must live the evil, the 
fruit of which will perish, having loved nothing of 
eternal life, doing nothing which inspired good in- 
12 



178 LIFE WITHIN LIFE. 

to others, walked in the way of evil. Rebellious 
and vain, his actions speak loudly against the Holy 
Spirit. Thus in his torment he must perish. 

Christ says Matthew 12: 32: 

Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, 
it shall not be forgiven him, neither in l]:is world, 
neither in the world to come. 

And thus we have the three before us; 
the love of each brings its own product, 
for as we sow, so, shall we reap. But 
hope and trust are born of faith, and we, as of one 
body, love to see all members saved. Interest in 
ourselves begets interest in others; and, as the 
spirit loving field is full, we may hope to keep out 
the wolf. 

Trust not earthly visions, you can not see as 
Christ sees, (or as will be judged), don't depend 
upon a deathbed repentance, or hereafter forgive- 
ness, now is the time, God gives the beautiful and 
loves to receive beautiful. Ignore not the Light, 
let the Savior in. He is ready to redeems you now. 
Repent here and be washed in the blood of the 
Lamb, ( Christ's forgiveness), deny not the Holy 
Spirit by your conduct, be not afraid or ashamed 
of proclaiming your love for the light, walk in it, 
thrive in it, take hold of all, which is good, and 



HARVEST TIME. 1 79 

your life will be a shining magnet for others, and 
joy of life eternal for all future. 

Sowing the seed with humility and love, 
Brings to the soul blessings from above. 
' Sowing the seed in sinful sport 
Overtakes the soul in a tumultuous storm. 
Nothing is lost, but all is gained 
For the soul who can reap in the Savior's name. 
Woe to the worldly, who sows to the winds ; 
The harvest he garners, will be the reward for sin. 
April 5th, 1905. Ida M. S. Dillow. 



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